dignitary

noun

dig·​ni·​tary ˈdig-nə-ˌter-ē How to pronounce dignitary (audio)
-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 Out on the Red Sea, where Houthi fighters from Yemen have attacked ships to protest Israel’s war, Rear Adm. Marc Miguez said his carrier strike group, led by the Eisenhower, was originally scheduled to transit the Middle East, host foreign dignitaries and stage military exercises. Missy Ryan, Washington Post, 17 Mar. 2024 In 2006, Richmond mayor Irma Anderson is surrounded by local dignitaries and guests during a ribbon cutting ceremony of the Greater Richmond Interfaith Program's new Souper Center Family Housing and Supportive Services Center in Richmond. Katie Lauer, The Mercury News, 31 Jan. 2024 Other dignitaries who have resided in the Lake Shore Drive stalwart through the years range from William Wrigley Jr. to Chauncey Blair. Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 29 Feb. 2024 Foreign dignitaries and members of the Cabinet had been due to travel to Dumfries House in Scotland. Naledi Ushe, USA TODAY, 23 Feb. 2024 The 230-acre property sits on billionaire Larry Ellison’s former private estate and features an 18-hole golf course once only open to professional athletes, celebrities, and dignitaries like President Barack Obama. Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 7 Feb. 2024 Wednesday’s case centered around accusations that Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi retained state gifts from foreign dignitaries. Rick Noack, Washington Post, 31 Jan. 2024 The ceremony will include dignitaries in the philanthropic world, such as Ford Foundation President Darren Walker. Mark Guarino, ABC News, 30 Jan. 2024 The amber lights framing downtown buildings for Christmas were turned on especially so the dignitaries would see the skyline from the air. Brayden Garcia, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 26 Jan. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'dignitary.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1603, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of dignitary was in 1603

Dictionary Entries Near dignitary

Cite this Entry

“Dignitary.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dignitary. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

dignitary

noun
dig·​ni·​tary ˈdig-nə-ˌter-ē How to pronounce dignitary (audio)
plural dignitaries
: a person of high position or honor
dignitaries of the church

More from Merriam-Webster on dignitary

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