dignitary

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

Updated on: 18 Apr 2018

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

While foreign royals, leading politicians, and dignitaries won’t have a pew at St. George’s Chapel, the late Princess of Wales’s side of the family will be well represented at the nuptials.

— katie nicholl, Vanities, "How Princess Diana Will Be Part of Prince Harry’s Wedding," 12 Apr. 2018
It was followed by a celebratory luncheon with dignitaries at the Sheraton Palace Garden Court.

— bill van niekerken, San Francisco Chronicle, "How the Giants ended up in San Francisco in 1958," 10 Apr. 2018
Surrounding Jacobs are photographs of his meetings with various dignitaries: Barack Obama, Pope Francis, Shimon Peres, Jordan’s King Abdullah II, Bill Clinton.

— abraham riesman, Daily Intelligencer, "Can Rabbi Rick Jacobs Save Liberal Zionism in the Age of Netanyahu?," 9 Apr. 2018
On Friday, officials and dignitaries attended a groundbreaking ceremony for an $18 million facility near Groveland that will feature a slew of ballfields and numerous other amenities.

— martin e. comas, OrlandoSentinel.com, "New $18M regional park aims to accommodate south Lake County growth," 6 Apr. 2018
As founding board members of Little Miami, Inc., the Morgans invited politicians and dignitaries to cookouts at their farm along the river, impressing them with its beauty and demonstrating the dire need for its protection.

— sam rosenstiel, Cincinnati.com, "Bob Morgan, 85, founded canoe livery and championed the Little Miami River.," 4 Apr. 2018
March 3, 2013 Fourteen hundred people — friends, dignitaries and fans — attend Van Cliburn’s funeral at Broadway Baptist Church in Fort Worth.

— marilyn bailey, star-telegram, "Moscow on the Trinity: The Russians are coming (back) to Fort Worth – with good reason," 16 Feb. 2018
Couric pointed out Vice President Mike Pence was sitting in the same dignitary box with Kim Yo-jong, sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un.

— phil rosenthal, chicagotribune.com, "NBC's editing of Olympics opening ceremony makes a long walk only longer," 10 Feb. 2018
The ceremony was attended by Gov. Kay Ivey, among other dignitaries.

— lawrence specker, AL.com, "Officially installed, Auburn's president calls for 500 new faculty," 29 Mar. 2018

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

noun

Definition of dignitary for English Language Learners

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

DIGNITARY Defined for Kids

dignitary

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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dignitary

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dignitary

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DIGNITARY Defined for English Language Learners

dignitary

Definition of dignitary for English Language Learners

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dignitary

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Definition of dignitary

dignitary

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Recent Examples of dignitary from the Web

First Known Use of dignitary

Other Foreign Functionary Terms

DIGNITARY Defined for English Language Learners

dignitary

Definition of dignitary for English Language Learners

DIGNITARY Defined for Kids

dignitary

Definition of dignitary for Students

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