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.
Suddenly, Amelia Earhart and other dignitaries started passing through. Randy Mason, Kansas City Star, 19 June 2025 When a dead body is discovered during a state dinner with Australian dignitaries, eccentric detective Cordelia Cupp (Aduba) is called to investigate. Sydney Bucksbaum, EW.com, 5 June 2025 The event attracted pilgrims to a different site near Kampala where dignitaries, including Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni, had gathered for Mass. Brittany Williams, Arkansas Online, 4 June 2025 The King was met at the airport in the nation's capital, Ottawa, by dignitaries, including Canada's new prime minister, Mark Carney, and the country's first indigenous governor general, Mary Simon, who is the king's representative in Canada. Jackie Northam, NPR, 26 May 2025 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Dignitary.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dignitary. Accessed 28 Jun. 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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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