envoy

noun

en·​voy ˈen-ˌvȯi  ˈän- 

1

a

: a minister plenipotentiary accredited to a foreign government who ranks between an ambassador and a minister resident

called also envoy extraordinary

b

: a person delegated to represent one government in its dealings with another

2

: messenger, representative

Synonyms of envoy

• ambassador
• delegate
• representative
• minister

Examples of envoy in a Sentence

the president sent the secretary of state as his personal envoy to gain the support of the country's allies

one of the hostage takers was chosen as the group's envoy for all dealings with the authorities

Recent Examples on the Web

Still, Trump’s key Middle East envoys are reportedly laying groundwork for potential peace talks, with messages passed between Washington and Tehran via intermediaries. —Tom Chivers, semafor.com, 23 Mar. 2026

On Monday, China said its special envoy has been shuttling between Kabul and Islamabad to mediate between the two sides and urged an immediate ceasefire. —Ahmad Mukhtar, CBS News, 17 Mar. 2026

Wang said China’s special envoy is shuttling between the two countries in an effort to promote restraint and encourage a ceasefire. —ABC News, 14 Mar. 2026

Italian media reported that Rodriguez, who traveled to Rome as a special envoy of Cubans leader Miguel Díaz-Canel, asked Pope Leo to mediate in talks with the United States. —Nora Gámez Torres, Miami Herald, 13 Mar. 2026

Word History

Etymology

French envoyé, from past participle of envoyer to send, from Old French enveier

First Known Use

1653, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

envoy

noun

en·​voy ˈen-ˌvȯi  ˈän- 

1

a

: a diplomatic representative who ranks between an ambassador and a minister

b

: a representative sent by one government to another

ambassadors and other envoys

2

: representative entry 2 sense 2, messenger