dignitary

noun

dig·​ni·​tary ˈdig-nə-ˌter-ē 

-ˌte-rē

plural dignitaries

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

dignitary adjective

Examples of dignitary in a Sentence

The dinner was attended by many foreign dignitaries.

Recent Examples on the Web

Some travelers scrambled to book last-minute airfare and rapidly evaporating accommodations to attend the liturgical service, which is expected to draw a litany of global faith leaders and world dignitaries, including Vice President JD Vance, who is leading an American delegation there. —Angie Leventis Lourgos, Chicago Tribune, 17 May 2025

McDonald has coordinated security for various dignitaries around the world. —Adam Sabes , Ashley Papa, FOXNews.com, 15 May 2025

In addition to various foreign dignitaries, the ceremony had been attended by a young French entrepreneur named Dany Laurent. —Christopher Clark, The Dial, 13 May 2025

The leaders then headed to the Royal Court, where a procession of dignitaries, officials and business figures waited their turn to shake hands with them. —Brendan Cole shane Croucher, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 May 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1603, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for dignitary

• accessary
• adversary
• ancillary
• arbitrary
• aviary
• axillary
• beriberi
• breviary
• budgetary
• capillary
• catenary
• cautionary

Kids Definition

dignitary

noun

dig·​ni·​tary ˈdig-nə-ˌter-ē 

plural dignitaries

: a person of high position or honor

dignitaries of the church