diplomat
Americannoun
-
a person appointed by a national government to conduct official negotiations and maintain political, economic, and social relations with another country or countries.
-
a person who is tactful and skillful in managing delicate situations, handling people, etc.
noun
-
an official, such as an ambassador or first secretary, engaged in diplomacy
-
a person who deals with people tactfully or skilfully
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.
Vocabulary lists containing diplomat
English Words Derived from French, List 1
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Government
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
"Why Exploring the Ocean Is Mankind's Next Giant Leap," Vocabulary from the commentary
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
A Western diplomat told me the recovery was led by officials from Iran's elite Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, who were sent to Lebanon following the 2024 war.
From BBC • Apr. 13, 2026
"Sooner or later this has to resolve itself. Hopefully sooner," said one EU diplomat, talking as others on condition of anonymity.
From Barron's • Apr. 13, 2026
A few days later, Undersecretary of War for Policy Elbridge Colby requested a meeting with the Vatican’s then top diplomat in Washington, the Papal Nuncio Cardinal Christophe Pierre.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 10, 2026
Khatibzadeh added: "But as a diplomat, I'm very much hopeful that finally we reach an understanding and settle this within our national interest and within the regional interest."
From BBC • Apr. 9, 2026
In New York City, a Soviet diplomat slipped him $1,000 in cash.
From "Fallout: Spies, Superbombs, and the Ultimate Cold War Showdown" by Steve Sheinkin
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
