dignitary

[dig-ni-ter-ee]

noun

plural

dignitaries 

1. a person who holds a high rank or office, as in the government or church.

dignitary

/ ˈdɪɡnɪtərɪ, -trɪ /

noun

1. a person of high official position or rank, esp in government or the church

Other Word Forms

• dignitarial adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of dignitary¹

First recorded in 1665–75; dignit(y) + -ary

Example Sentences

With plenty of dignitaries present and fanfare fit for a king, the release cage was opened.

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Pope Leo XIV on Monday urged "concrete actions" on climate change and complained that some leaders lacked the will to act, as he addressed religious dignitaries on the sidelines of the COP30 summit.

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There are a bunch of important looking dignitaries dressed up in fine clothes.

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With autumn leaves falling, he was joined by other members of the Royal Family, senior politicians and dignitaries, sharing the echoing two-minute silence.

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The two minute silence was observed and then politicians, dignitaries and military personnel began the wreath laying at the cenotaph.

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Related Words

• celebrity 
• luminary