dignitary

[ dig-ni-ter-ee ]

noun

, plural dig·ni·tar·ies.

1. a person who holds a high rank or office, as in the government or church.

dignitary

/ ˈdɪɡnɪtərɪ; -trɪ /

noun

1. a person of high official position or rank, esp in government or the church

Other Words From

• dig·ni·tar·i·al [dig-ni-, tair, -ee-, uh, l], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of dignitary¹

First recorded in 1665–75; dignit(y) + -ary

Example Sentences

Asked about her security detail, Feldstein Soto said through another aide that every city attorney since Rocky Delgadillo — who served from 2001 to 2009 — has had “dignitary protection.”

From Los Angeles Times

Former Speaker Nancy Pelosi described the speech on social media as “by far the worst presentation of any foreign dignitary invited and honored with the privilege of addressing the Congress of the United States.”

From Slate

My incredible, rare sunglasses are making people stop and do a double-take, wondering if I’m some kind of celebrity or visiting dignitary.

From Los Angeles Times

Military Academy’s ensemble in West Point, N.Y., perform at inaugurations and foreign dignitary visits.

From New York Times

Judge Elizabeth Berns on Thursday denied the hospital’s request to dismiss the racial discrimination claim, writing in her order that the family has “plausibly alleged harm, including dignitary harm, resulting from unlawful discrimination — not from health care.”

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• celebrity
• luminary