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
Other Word Forms
Noun Inflected Forms
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.
See Examples For:
Witkoff’s job with Iran was particularly difficult, almost every former diplomat I spoke with said.
From Slate ● Jul. 22, 2026
But as one career diplomat told me, Delhi wasn't particularly "familiar" with the revolving cast of prime ministers over the past decade either.
From BBC ● Jul. 12, 2026
A real diplomat, that Brooklyn-born, Britain-raised American by birthright.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 7, 2026
"Rutte is very much cut out for the job and we're very lucky to have him," one European diplomat told AFP.
From Barron's ● Jul. 6, 2026
He was a soldier, a diplomat, a statesman.
From "Long Walk to Freedom" by Nelson Mandela
The halt coincided with senior diplomats from Oman visiting Tehran over the weekend to help to reach an agreement with Iran to manage shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
From MarketWatch ● Jul. 27, 2026
Several diplomats interviewed by AFP were cautious about the outcome of the race, saying a number of capitals had yet to make their choice.
From Barron's ● Jul. 23, 2026
Witkoff did not wait until the inauguration to get started—he immediately began working on a Gaza ceasefire alongside Biden officials, a role some experienced diplomats cautiously praised.
From Slate ● Jul. 22, 2026
President Masoud Pezeshkian and his diplomats may favour a settlement to ease economic pressure and restore stability.
From BBC ● Jul. 21, 2026
But each month, new agents posing as businesspeople, diplomats, professors, and other unassuming characters quietly joined the fight against the Soviet Union.
From "Spies: The Secret Showdown Between America and Russia" by Marc Favreau
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.
