Definition of ambassador

Email this page to a friend

< ambarella

ambassador at large >

am·bas·sa·dor    (m-bs-dr, -dôr) KEY 

NOUN:

1. A diplomatic official of the highest rank appointed and accredited as representative in residence by one government or sovereign to another, usually for a specific length of time.
2. A diplomatic official heading his or her country's permanent mission to certain international organizations, such as the United Nations.
3. An authorized messenger or representative.
4. An unofficial representative: ambassadors of goodwill.

---

ETYMOLOGY:
Middle English ambassadour, from Old French ambassadeur, from Medieval Latin ambactia, mission, from Latin ambactus, servant, ultimately of Celtic origin; see ag- in Indo-European roots

OTHER FORMS:
am·bassa·dori·al  (-dôr-l, -dr-) KEY (Adjective), am·bassa·dor·ship(Noun)