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.
Hidden at the end of a cul-de-sac atop Filaret Hill, Bucharest’s highest point, this property, which is rumored to have once served as a KGB headquarters, caters to a crowd that includes dignitaries and celebrities. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Aug. 2026 Camp David is a presidential retreat in Maryland that is also used to host foreign dignitaries. — Jeremy Diamond, CNN Money, 31 July 2026 The Duongs paid for Jones’ daughter to join an August 2023 delegation trip to Vietnam led by Thao that included a host of other local dignitaries, prosecutors claimed in their filing. — Shomik Mukherjee, Mercury News, 31 July 2026 Buses will also be needed to move athletes, dignitaries, media and others as well. — Los Angeles Times, 31 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 5 Aug. 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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