envoy

noun

en·​voy ˈen-ˌvȯi  ˈän- 

1

a

: a minister plenipotentiary accredited to a foreign government who ranks between an ambassador and a minister resident

called also envoy extraordinary

b

: a person delegated to represent one government in its dealings with another

2

: messenger, representative

Synonyms

• agent
• ambassador
• delegate
• emissary
• legate
• minister
• representative

Examples of envoy in a Sentence

the president sent the secretary of state as his personal envoy to gain the support of the country's allies

one of the hostage takers was chosen as the group's envoy for all dealings with the authorities

Recent Examples on the Web

Francis said Saturday his envoy had been unable to enter because of Israeli bombing. —Wafaa Shurafa and Tia Goldenberg The Associated Press, arkansasonline.com, 23 Dec. 2024

Vatican envoy celebrates Mass Dozens of worshipers gathered in the Holy Family Church in Gaza City as Pizzaballa and other clergy celebrated Mass. —Wafaa Shurafa and Tia Goldenberg, Los Angeles Times, 22 Dec. 2024

Although both are diplomats, Burnett’s role as envoy is a specialized position designated for specific transactions and negotiations. —Jack Dunn, Variety, 21 Dec. 2024

Previous hostage affairs envoys worked out of the State Department. —Barak Ravid, Axios, 19 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

French envoyé, from past participle of envoyer to send, from Old French enveier

First Known Use

1635, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

envoy

noun

en·​voy ˈen-ˌvȯi  ˈän- 

1

a

: a diplomatic representative who ranks between an ambassador and a minister

b

: a representative sent by one government to another

ambassadors and other envoys

2

: representative entry 2 sense 2, messenger