envoy

noun

en·​voy ˈen-ˌvȯi How to pronounce envoy (audio) ˈän- How to pronounce envoy (audio)
Synonyms of envoynext
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

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In February, Andrew was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office, related to his work as a global trade envoy for the British government. Karla Adam The Washington Post, Arkansas Online, 5 Apr. 2026 An attempt to fill the gap failed after the US rejected MTN chairman Mcebisi Jonas’ credentials to serve as special envoy. Tiisetso Motsoeneng, semafor.com, 30 Mar. 2026 The deployments have made Iranian diplomatic envoys even more dubious that American peace efforts are sincere. Nabih Bulos, Los Angeles Times, 30 Mar. 2026 The plan was presented to Iran by Pakistan as a third-party intermediary, special envoy Steve Witkoff said Thursday. Emily Hallas, The Washington Examiner, 27 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for envoy

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1653, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of envoy was in 1653

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Envoy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/envoy. Accessed 8 Apr. 2026.

Kids Definition

envoy

noun
en·​voy ˈen-ˌvȯi How to pronounce envoy (audio) ˈän- How to pronounce envoy (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on envoy

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster