dignitary

American  

[dig-ni-ter-ee] / ˈdɪg nɪˌtɛr i /

noun

plural

dignitaries

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

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dignitary British  

/ ˈdɪɡnɪtərɪ, -trɪ /

noun

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

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Other Word Forms

• dignitarial adjective

Etymology

Origin of dignitary

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

Example Sentences

"The defendant was allowed to lay a wreath. He did so, he saluted and stood among other dignitaries," Neary said.

From BBC

He moved to criminal defense, and soon had a client list of Hollywood stars, NBA players, CEOs and foreign dignitaries, including a royal family, according to his law firm’s website.

From The Wall Street Journal

The attack occurred as the soldiers were conducting a “key leader engagement,” he wrote, a military term referring to meetings with local officials or dignitaries.

From The Wall Street Journal

Foreign dignitaries had come to town to show solidarity, including the presidents of Argentina, Panama, Paraguay and Ecuador.

From The Wall Street Journal

The Rzeszów-Jasionka airport caters to both Western military and civilian passengers, including journalists, volunteers and foreign dignitaries traveling to and from Ukraine.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• celebrity
• luminary