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

The city will be closing streets around Ground Zero as dignitaries, including Vice President JD Vance, are slated to attend a commemoration of the 25th anniversary of 9/11. — Robert McGreevy, FOXNews.com, 9 Sep. 2026

Norwegian officials and foreign dignitaries joined the solemn procession. — ABC News, 9 Sep. 2026

The pregame sidelines were packed five-people deep with celebrities (Livvy Dunne), NFL alumni (Justin Jefferson), recruits, other dignitaries and media members. — Seth Emerson, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2026

We are used to the street closures, the factory shutdowns, the restrictions on driving and internet access during Communist Party conferences, international summits, Tiananmen Square military parades, and the visits of foreign dignitaries. — Jonathan Flint, Harpers Magazine, 1 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1635, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for dignitary

• accessary
• adversary
• ancillary
• apiary
• arbitrary
• aviary
• axillary
• bacillary
• beriberi
• bestiary
• breviary
• budgetary

Kids Definition

dignitary

noun

dig·​ni·​tary ˈdig-nə-ˌter-ē 

plural dignitaries

: a person of high position or honor

dignitaries of the church