high commissioner

noun

1. a representative of one sovereign member of the Commonwealth of Nations in the country of another, having a rank and responsibilities generally similar to those of an ambassador.
2. the chief of a special international commission or other organization.
3. the head of government in a mandate, protectorate, possession, or the like.

high commissioner

noun

1. the senior diplomatic representative sent by one Commonwealth country to another instead of an ambassador
2. the head of an international commission
3. the chief officer in a colony or other dependency

Word History and Origins

Origin of high commissioner¹

First recorded in 1880–85

Example Sentences

He was also the former high commissioner to Islamabad, deputy head of mission in Washington, and the director of foreign policy and coordinator for Afghanistan and Pakistan.

From BBC

“India has indicated its readiness to talk to the interim government, and to discuss all concerns, those of Bangladesh and those of India,” Veena Sikri, a former Indian high commissioner in Dhaka, said.

From BBC

He later served as a high court judge in Trinidad and returned to London as the high commissioner for Trinidad and Tobago in 1990.

From Seattle Times

The high commissioner for refugees told the council it’s too late for the tens of thousands who have been killed in Gaza, Ukraine, Sudan and other conflicts.

From Seattle Times

No serious civilian casualties were reported, the high commissioner’s statement said.

From Seattle Times