ambassador
nounUK /æmˈbæs.ə.də(ɹ)/ · US /æmˈbæs.ə.dɚ/
Etymology From Middle English ambassadore, from Anglo-Norman ambassadeur, from Old Italian ambassadore, from Old Occitan ambaisador (“ambassador”), derivative of ambaissa (“service, mission, errand”), ultimately from Proto-Germanic *ambahtaz (“servant”), from Gaulish ambaxtos, from Proto-Celtic *ambaxtos, from Proto-Indo-European *h₂m̥bʰi-h₂eǵ- (“drive around”), from *h₂m̥bʰi- (“around”) + *h₂eǵ- (“to drive”). Displaced native Old English ǣrendraca.
A diplomat of the highest rank sent to a foreign court to represent there their sovereign or country. (Sometimes called ambassador-in-residence)
- Vergenne'fury reached its height when the priest tried to involve the English ambassador.1982, Orville T. Murphy, Charles Gravier, Comte de Vergennes: French Diplomacy in the Age of Revolution, 1719-1787:
An official messenger and representative.
- The new accusation brought by Urban against Manfred of murdering his sister-in-law's embassador – it may be observed that, tacitly, he acquits him of parricide, fratricide, and nepoticide – requires a little explanation.1856, Mrs. William Busk, Mediæval Popes, Emperors, Kings, and Crusaders: Or, Germany, Italy and Palestine, from A.D. 1125 to A.D. 1268, volume IV, London: Hookham and Sons, →OCLC, page 294:
A corporate representative, often the public face of the company.
- As front hall porter, you are an ambassador for the hotel.
Hobbies, Lifestyle, Sports A player who is an excellent role-model and who upholds the integrity of the game and thereby contributes to the sport's popularity and growth.
- Derived terms
- amb., ambassadonor, ambassador animal, ambassador-at-large, ambassadorial, ambassadorless, ambassadorship, ambassadress, ambassadrix, ambassadry, coambassador, glambassador, goodwill ambassador
- Related terms
- embassy, consul, high commissioner