emissary

American  

[em-uh-ser-ee] / ˈɛm əˌsɛr i /

noun

plural

emissaries

1. a representative sent on a mission or errand.

   emissaries to negotiate a peace.

   Synonyms:

   legate, envoy, ambassador, delegate

2. an agent sent on a mission of a secret nature, as a spy.

3. Anatomy. sending or coming out, as certain veins that pass through the skull and connect the venous sinuses inside with the veins outside.

4. pertaining to an emissary.

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adjective

1. Archaic. sent forth, as on a mission.

emissary British  

/ ˈɛmɪsərɪ, -ɪsrɪ /

noun

1. 1. an agent or messenger sent on a mission, esp one who represents a government or head of state

   2. ( as modifier )

      an emissary delegation

2. an agent sent on a secret mission, as a spy

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adjective

1. (of veins) draining blood from sinuses in the dura mater to veins outside the skull

Etymology

Origin of emissary

1595–1605; < Latin ēmissārius one sent out, equivalent to ēmiss- ( emission ) + -ārius -ary

Example Sentences

The emissary is reported to be a close ally and friend of Rodríguez, who has been described as "extremely co-operative" by the White House.

From BBC • Jan. 15, 2026

Witkoff’s presence as Trump’s de facto dealmaker has attracted much more attention, but Driscoll has emerged as a trusted White House emissary whose stature is only growing.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 27, 2025

And nothing illustrates that better than the man Trump has deployed as his lead emissary in the negotiations: Army Secretary Daniel P. Driscoll.

From Salon • Nov. 26, 2025

And yet, after a three-hour meeting between Putin and Steve Witkoff, Trump’s all-around emissary, the two presidents are scheduled to meet in a summit in the next few days.

From Slate • Aug. 8, 2025

Guards followed Werfel through the crooked streets with the emissary on a stretcher.

From "The Assassination of Brangwain Spurge" by M.T. Anderson and Eugene Yelchin

Related Words

• envoy
• go-between
• intermediary
• messenger