diplomat

American  

[dip-luh-mat] / ˈdɪp ləˌmæt /

noun

• diplomats
  plural

1. a person appointed by a national government to conduct official negotiations and maintain political, economic, and social relations with another country or countries.

2. a person who is tactful and skillful in managing delicate situations, handling people, etc.

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diplomat British  

/ ˈdɪpləˌmæt /

noun

1. an official, such as an ambassador or first secretary, engaged in diplomacy

2. a person who deals with people tactfully or skilfully

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Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• diplomats
  plural

Etymology

Origin of diplomat

First recorded in 1805–15; from French diplomate, back formation from diplomatique diplomatic

Explanation

A diplomat is a person who helps people who have differing points of view find common ground. In government, a diplomat is an official who represents his or her country in other nations. The noun diplomat is related to the word diploma, from the Greek diploun, meaning “to fold double.” A diploma is an official paper — something diplomats carry on behalf of their governments. They know about all sides of an issue, which is helpful in times of conflict. You are a diplomat, if caught between Yankees and Red Sox fans, you get them to talk about hockey instead.

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

diplomat diplomats

France has summoned the American ambassador to Paris after the diplomat, Charles Kushner, wrote a letter to French President Emmanuel Macron accusing the country of not doing enough to combat antisemitism.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 12, 2026

"He's in great shape," an anonymous foreign diplomat told AFP, describing Lula as a "campaign beast."

From Barron's ● Aug. 2, 2026

Nigerian diplomat Ninikanwa Okey-Uche said her country was "deeply appalled by reports of the egregious police tactics that led to his death" on Thursday.

From BBC ● Jul. 27, 2026

“There is an escalatory dynamic now,” said Alan Eyre, a former senior U.S. diplomat who participated in negotiations with Iran.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 25, 2026

Ralph clasped her hand with the sharp-eyed equanimity of a diplomat.

From "Typical American" by Gish Jen

There’s a culture at the time of lavish gift-giving to diplomats and foreign officials, and he’s just terrified that officers of the United States will be beholden and influenced by foreigners.

From Slate ● Aug. 17, 2026

U.S. diplomats have broad authority to cancel visas without providing explanations to affected foreign citizens.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 14, 2026

Nadezhdin said diplomats from several countries had offered help, but he chose to come to France.

From Barron's ● Aug. 14, 2026

It counts many prominent Thai figures among its alumni, from diplomats and athletes to several prime ministers.

From BBC ● Aug. 7, 2026

As the guest of honor, Roosevelt led a parade of important politicians and diplomats down a wide boulevard dotted with palm trees.

From "Death on the River of Doubt" by Samantha Seiple

Related Words

• agent
• envoy
• expert
• mediator
• minister
• negotiator
• representative