dignitary
[dig-ni-ter-ee]
- a person who holds a high rank or office, as in the government or church.
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Origin of dignitary
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Examples from the Web for dignitaries
Contemporary Examples
It was seen by a small delegation of star-struck prelates and dignitaries who later described the film as “moving.”
Pope Francis Has the Pleasure of Meeting Angelina Jolie for a Few SecondsBarbie Latza Nadeau
January 8, 2015
A few blocks away, dignitaries, including Tony Blair, held court in the upscale Serena Hotel.
In autumn, the kitchen had to serve squash soup to visiting Korean dignitaries.
Plus, check out photos of celebrities and dignitaries arriving at the state dinner.
President Obama and Prime Minister David Cameron Share a Symbolic Make-Nice MomentEleanor Clift
March 14, 2012
The foundation then distributes the art, either as gifts or on loan, to embassies and dignitaries around the world.
Historical Examples
Half a league from the city the bier was met by all the dignitaries of the place.
Mr. Perceval wrote to me in support of the judgment of Mr. Palmer and the dignitaries.
Apologia Pro Vita SuaJohn Henry Cardinal Newman
The mob, however, was past the point of paying respect to dignitaries.
Historical Tales, Vol. 6 (of 15)Charles Morris
As I came, the Dignitaries rose once more and bowed before me.
CleopatraH. Rider Haggard
It is unknown to the Chinese and Tonquinese, who style their dignitaries "quahn."
The Sailor's Word-BookWilliam Henry Smyth
dignitary
- a person of high official position or rank, esp in government or the church
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Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Word Origin and History for dignitaries
dignitary
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper