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 honorees were introduced by Washington dignitaries such as Judy Woodruff, of PBS, and the former Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen. —E. Tammy Kim, New Yorker, 1 Aug. 2025

Gift packs of these items were given to dignitaries visiting Arkansas. —Arkansas Online, 26 July 2025

There is much to be credited for such a milestone, as Harris and many other dignitaries said. —Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 16 July 2025

This fall, the synagogue will be observing its 100-year anniversary with a three-day celebration, culminating with an Oct. 26 event which members of Norway’s royal family, the country’s prime minister, the mayor of Trondheim and other dignitaries are scheduled to attend. —Dan Fellner, Sun Sentinel, 11 July 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1603, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for dignitary

• accessary
• adversary
• ancillary
• arbitrary
• aviary
• axillary
• beriberi
• breviary
• budgetary
• capillary
• catenary
• cautionary

Kids Definition

dignitary

noun

dig·​ni·​tary ˈdig-nə-ˌter-ē 

plural dignitaries

: a person of high position or honor

dignitaries of the church