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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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Forget the tired old ribbon-cutting with local dignitaries in attendance. Keenan Thompson, Freep.com, 25 Nov. 2025 Trump also lavished the Saudi ruler this week with some of Washington's highest honors for a foreign dignitary, deepening the business and military relationship between the two nations. Stephen Groves, Arkansas Online, 22 Nov. 2025 One of the first dignitaries to arrive, Harris sat in the front row by herself, chatting with former Vice Presidents Al Gore and Dan Quayle, who were seated behind her. Kc Baker, PEOPLE, 20 Nov. 2025 Yet current Senate Leader John Thune, who has shown a degree of independence from the current White House, was sitting near the front with other dignitaries. Philip Elliott, Time, 20 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for dignitary

Word History

First Known Use

1635, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of dignitary was in 1635

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Dignitary.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dignitary. Accessed 30 Nov. 2025.

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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