dignitary

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

|Updated on: 12 Jun 2018

Examples: dignitary in a Sentence

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

See dignitary defined for kids

Examples of dignitary in a Sentence

The dinner was attended by many foreign dignitaries.

Recent Examples of dignitary from the Web

Services were also held across Manchester to mark the anniversary of the attack, with Prince William and Prime Minister Theresa May among the dignitaries attending.

— sheena mckenzie, CNN, "Ariana Grande talks about her PTSD after Manchester attack," 5 June 2018
Local philanthropist Joseph Neubauer was one of two dignitaries to speak before the concert.

— david patrick stearns, Philly.com, "Philadelphia Orchestra plays Tel Aviv in its second of three shows in Israel," 4 June 2018
Local dignitaries including Mayor Emily Gabel-Luddy, Rep. Adam Schiff (D-Burbank), state Sen. Anthony Portantino (D-La Cañada Flintridge), and Assemblywoman Laura Friedman (D-Glendale) spoke, as did members of the Burbank Veterans Committee.

— perry fein, latimes.com, "Burbank holds Memorial Day ceremony," 30 May 2018
Britain will also not send any dignitaries to the football World Cup, which starts in Russia next month.

— The Economist, "Politics this week," 24 May 2018
In one instance as spring 1968 approached, visiting North Vietnamese dignitaries toured the prison grounds and encountered McCain.

— alex horton, Washington Post, "John McCain rebelled at the Naval Academy — and as a POW — long before he was a Senate maverick," 3 May 2018
Now, the cookies are given as holiday treats to visiting children, dignitaries, and hotel clients.

— meghan overdeep, Southern Living, "The Houstonian Hotel Shared the Recipe for Barbara Bush’s “Famous” Chocolate Chip Cookies," 25 Apr. 2018
The Houston Police Department is ramping up security this weekend as dignitaries make their way to Houston to attend services for the late former first lady Barbara Bush.

— john d. harden, Houston Chronicle, "Former presidents, first ladies confirmed to attend services for Barbara Bush," 19 Apr. 2018
Global Ties works closely with foreign dignitaries, academics and other international visitors, hosting international exchanges and student ambassadors and producing international speakers series.

— jennifer conn, akron reporter, cleveland.com, "Global Ties Akron to launch international 'Global Threads' magazine," 18 Apr. 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

in the meaning defined above

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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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