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.

---

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

---

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

Explanation

When presidents can’t attend state funerals, they send an emissary to pay their respects. An emissary performs a specific job on someone else’s behalf. Emissary is a word you hear often around governments, but anyone can be one or have one. Say, if you’re feeling too lazy to get off the couch you could appoint your little sister to be your emissary in fetching ice cream from the kitchen.

Example Sentences

Bini — already stadium-sized superstars in Asia — is the latest emissary in Coachella’s reach for new sounds from around the globe.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 9, 2026

"The emissary, Félix Plasencia, would be the first representative of the country's ruling political movement, known as chavismo, to visit the American capital in an official capacity in years," the newspaper wrote.

From BBC • Jan. 15, 2026

At SpaceX, Shotwell is a customer emissary, a diplomat for an increasingly global company and the top day-to-day leader of a group of executives who have bought into its intense culture.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 10, 2026

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

He does not wish the emissary to see the imperfect glaze ... his pride keeps him from a royal commission.

From "A Single Shard" by Linda Sue Park

Related Words

• envoy
• go-between
• intermediary
• messenger