dignitary

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noun dig·ni·tary \ ˈdig-nə-ˌter-ē , -ˌte-rē \

Definition of dignitary

plural dignitaries

:one who possesses exalted rank or holds a position of dignity or honor

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dignitary

adjective

See dignitary defined for English-language learners

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Examples of dignitary in a Sentence

The dinner was attended by many foreign dignitaries.

Recent Examples of dignitary from the Web

The cavalcade of Republican dignitaries criticizing, or at least distancing themselves from the president’s mealymouthed response to Charlottesville grows longer each minute.

— ed kilgore, Daily Intelligencer, "Romney Takes Trump to the Woodshed, Calls for Presidential Apology," 18 Aug. 2017
His new policy canceled a many years long practice of using a Coast Guard fast boat from a port security unit to fetch the judge and his staff, as well as other dignitaries.

— carol rosenberg, miamiherald, "Guantánamo prison commander punts to Pentagon on speedboat standoff with 9/11 judge," 30 July 2017
Since then, various presidents and dignitaries have followed suit, including Dwight Eisenhower, Gerald Ford, Jimmy Carter, George H.W. and George W. Bush, and Bill Clinton as well as British Prime Ministers Margaret Thatcher and Tony Blair.

— hallie levine sklar, Town & Country, "The Complete Guide to Sea Island, Georgia," 28 July 2017
High-level foreign dignitaries have been the exception to the rule.

— aya batrawy, The Seattle Times, "A look at why a Saudi woman’s miniskirt sparked an outcry," 20 July 2017
High-level foreign dignitaries have been the exception to the rule.

— Washington Post, "A look at why a Saudi woman’s miniskirt sparked an outcry," 20 July 2017
Anybody who sees a groundbreaking ceremony knows the routine — dignitaries don hardhats, grab a shovel and grin for the cameras.

— mike nolan, Daily Southtown, "GC America groundbreaking in Alsip departs from tradition, includes purification of grounds," 19 July 2017
On her first two foreign tours, Mrs. Trump seemed not to entirely embrace the practice known as sartorial diplomacy, in which dignitaries use clothing as a strategic platform.

— vanessa friedman, New York Times, "In France, Melania Trump Flies the Fashion Flag of Friendship," 14 July 2017
Now, this was before her dad, sister, brother-in-law, and their alt-right version of Mummenschanz were all in Germany trying to sort out world affairs—or, at the very least, get any (non-Russian) dignitaries to talk to them.

— vanityfair.com, "Tiffany Trump Is Having a Way Better Summer Than Her Family," 10 July 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'dignitary.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of dignitary

1603

Other Foreign Functionary Terms

count, despot, emir, wardrobe, yeoman

DIGNITARY Defined for English Language Learners

dignitary

play

noun

Definition of dignitary for English Language Learners

: a person who has a high rank or an important position

DIGNITARY Defined for Kids

dignitary

play

noun dig·ni·tary \ ˈdig-nə-ˌter-ē \

Definition of dignitary for Students

plural dignitaries

:a person of high position or honor The President met with dignitaries from other countries.

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See words that rhyme with dignitary Spanish Central: Translation of dignitary Nglish: Translation of dignitary for Spanish speakers

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