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

Hours later, though, Cassidy was invited to receive a personal briefing on the war at the White House from Vice President JD Vance and envoy Steve Witkoff. — Mary Clare Jalonick, Los Angeles Times, 25 June 2026

Vance and special envoy Steve Witkoff hosted Cassidy in the White House Situation Room for a briefing on Iran and held a dinner with GOP senators that evening. — David Sivak, The Washington Examiner, 25 June 2026

The character, the eldest son of Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen (Emma D'Arcy), was sent across Westeros as an envoy to rally their allies. — Nick Romano, Entertainment Weekly, 22 June 2026

The talks will include US Vice President JD Vance, Jared Kushner and the US special envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff. — Mitchell McCluskey, CNN Money, 21 June 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