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.
Some other dignitaries did not shake Mr. Trump’s hand and appeared to avoid him, including Karen Pence, Mr. Pence’s wife, and Mr. Bush. Neil Vigdor, New York Times, 12 Jan. 2025 The upcoming commemoration will be attended by international dignitaries and elderly Holocaust survivors. Paul Du Quenoy, Newsweek, 10 Jan. 2025 Live Joe Raedle/Getty Images Members of Congress, the Supreme Court and other dignitaries will gather at the U.S. Capitol on Tuesday afternoon for a lying-in-state ceremony for former President Jimmy Carter. Emily Shapiro, ABC News, 7 Jan. 2025 But the tables are still filled with loyal families and local dignitaries, and the menu is reassuringly traditional—Peking duck, herbal soups, and seafood cooked every which way. Chloe Sachdev, Condé Nast Traveler, 27 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for dignitary 

Word History

First Known Use

1603, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of dignitary was in 1603

Dictionary Entries Near dignitary

Cite this Entry

“Dignitary.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dignitary. Accessed 23 Jan. 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

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