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

King Charles was crowned at Westminster Abbey on 6 May 2023 in a ceremony attended by dignitaries from around the world.

From BBC

First minister John Swinney was among the dignitaries to lay a wreath at the Stone of Remembrance outside Edinburgh City Chambers during a ceremony on Sunday.

From BBC

Foreign dignitaries often paid top dollar to stay at the Trump International Hotel in D.C., as did Secret Service details protecting the then-president’s family.

From Salon

But I figured he had enough sense to offer a few words and sit down like all the other dignitaries, not squeeze a pseudo-rally out of a ceremony meant to honor a recently deceased icon.

From Los Angeles Times

His inauguration will take place at the national stadium in the capital, Gaborone, on Friday - which has been declared a public holiday - and international dignitaries are expected to be in attendance.

From BBC

Related Words

• celebrity
• luminary