dignitary

noun

dig·​ni·​tary ˈdig-nə-ˌter-ē 

-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

Family members, close friends, colleagues and dignitaries will enter from Franklin Boulevard and park in the south parking lot, using Entry 5. —Angela Palermo, Idaho Statesman, 27 Mar. 2026

Warden Bob Markle was an accomplished sport fisherman, in demand as a guide for visiting dignitaries, and likely to be found fishing or hunting on off-duty time. —Dave Duffey, Outdoor Life, 26 Mar. 2026

Around the Capitol, a 40-acre park filled with gardens, memorials, and trees planted by visiting dignitaries reflects how deeply greenery shapes this place. —Keyla Vasconcellos, Condé Nast Traveler, 25 Mar. 2026

Friends, family, dignitaries and the Hardin County community on March 21 celebrated the life of Staff Sgt. —Maggie Menderski, Louisville Courier Journal, 21 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1635, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for dignitary

• accessary
• adversary
• ancillary
• arbitrary
• aviary
• axillary
• beriberi
• breviary
• budgetary
• capillary
• catenary
• cautionary

Kids Definition

dignitary

noun

dig·​ni·​tary ˈdig-nə-ˌter-ē 

plural dignitaries

: a person of high position or honor

dignitaries of the church