dignitary

noun

dig·​ni·​tary ˈdig-nə-ˌter-ē How to pronounce dignitary (audio)
-ˌte-rē
plural dignitaries
Synonyms of dignitarynext
: 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.
After months of uncertainty, two dignitaries from rival lands have come forward to press their claims. — Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 28 June 2026 Religious leaders and foreign dignitaries walked up to Khamenei’s casket as a military band played or a man sang prayers. — Nasser Karimi, Los Angeles Times, 3 July 2026 Senior Iranian officials attended the procession, as well as a number of foreign dignitaries. — Connor Greene, Time, 6 July 2026 Officials from China, India and Pakistan are among the international dignitaries attending the funeral, according to their foreign ministries. — Nadeen Ebrahim, CNN Money, 4 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for dignitary

Word History

First Known Use

1635, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of dignitary was in 1635

Rhymes for dignitary

See All Rhymes for dignitary

Browse Nearby Words

dignitarial
dignitary
dignity
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Dignitary.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dignitary. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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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

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for dignitary

Nglish: Translation of dignitary for Spanish Speakers

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