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dignitary

noun
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dig·​ni·​tary | \ ˈdig-nə-ˌter-ē How to pronounce dignitary (audio) , -ˌte-rē \
plural dignitaries

Definition of dignitary

: one who possesses exalted rank or holds a position of dignity or honor
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Other Words from dignitary

dignitary adjective

Examples of dignitary in a Sentence

The dinner was attended by many foreign dignitaries.
Recent Examples on the Web They will be joined by dignitaries and service members. — Doug Stanglin, USA TODAY, "Pearl Harbor deadly shooting: Navy weighs beefing up security for Dec. 7 ceremony," 5 Dec. 2019 Greta was due to be met in Lisbon by local dignitaries and other activists. — Washington Post, "Greta Thunberg completes sail to attend U.N. climate conference in Spain," 4 Dec. 2019 Those include providing security at presidential inaugurations, visits by foreign dignitaries and the massive rallies that periodically come to the District. — Peter Jamison, BostonGlobe.com, "President Trump’s July Fourth event and protests bankrupted Washington security fund, mayor says," 10 July 2019 Those include providing security at presidential inaugurations, visits by foreign dignitaries and the massive rallies that periodically come to the District. — Peter Jamison, Anchorage Daily News, "Trump’s July Fourth event and protests emptied D.C. security fund, mayor says," 10 July 2019 Those include providing security at presidential inaugurations, visits by foreign dignitaries and the massive rallies that periodically come to the District. — oregonlive.com, "President Trump’s July Fourth event and weekend protests bankrupted Washington security fund, mayor says," 10 July 2019 Those include providing security at presidential inaugurations, visits by foreign dignitaries and the massive rallies that periodically come to the District. — The Washington Post, The Denver Post, "President Trump’s Fourth of July event and weekend protests bankrupted Washington security fund, mayor says," 10 July 2019 Show sponsors were solicited from all throughout the state and included dignitaries such as former Maryland Gov. J. Millard Tawes as well as many local businesses. — Kevin Dayhoff, baltimoresun.com/maryland/carroll, "Dayhoff: Yes, they used to ride horses at the Westminster Riding Club," 22 Nov. 2019 Officers and enlisted men joined civilian dignitaries for ceremonies Monday at Offutt Air Force Base. — USA TODAY, "Feral pig invasion, giant Christmas pyramid, rampaging fox attacks humans: News from around our 50 states," 20 Nov. 2019

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.

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First Known Use of dignitary

1603, in the meaning defined above

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Time Traveler for dignitary

Time Traveler

The first known use of dignitary was in 1603

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Statistics for dignitary

Last Updated

11 Dec 2019

Cite this Entry

“Dignitary.” The Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster Inc., https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dignitary. Accessed 15 December 2019.

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More Definitions for dignitary

dignitary

noun
How to pronounce dignitary (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of dignitary

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

See the full definition for dignitary in the English Language Learners Dictionary

dignitary

noun
dig·​ni·​tary | \ ˈdig-nə-ˌter-ē How to pronounce dignitary (audio) \
plural dignitaries

Kids Definition of dignitary

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

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More from Merriam-Webster on dignitary

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for dignitary

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with dignitary

Spanish Central: Translation of dignitary

Nglish: Translation of dignitary for Spanish Speakers

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