ambassador
am-BAS-uh-duh
Ambassador (noun) means a diplomat of the highest rank sent by one country to represent it in another. Example: “The new ambassador presented her credentials to the president.”
noun
1
A diplomat of the highest rank sent by one country to represent it in another.
"The new ambassador presented her credentials to the president."
"He served as ambassador to France for six years."
"The ambassador attended a formal dinner hosted by the local government."
2
A person who represents or promotes an organization, brand, or cause, often informally.
"The retired athlete now works as a brand ambassador for a sportswear company."
"Our best customers act as ambassadors for the shop by telling their friends."
"As a student ambassador, she showed visitors around the campus."
How to use ambassador
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishAn official representative of a country abroad, or more loosely, anyone who represents and promotes something.
Common pairings
ambassador to
goodwill ambassador
brand ambassador
appoint an ambassador
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Word forms
- Plural
- ambassadors
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The new _____ presented her credentials to the president.
Etymology
From Old Italian ambassadore, ultimately traced back through Old Occitan and Proto-Celtic to a root meaning "to drive around" — the original sense being a servant or messenger sent on an errand.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for ambassador
See all rhymes for ambassador →Frequently asked questions
What does “ambassador” mean?
The word “ambassador” means a diplomat of the highest rank sent by one country to represent it in another. In plain terms, an official representative of a country abroad, or more loosely, anyone who represents and promotes something.
How do you pronounce “ambassador”?
“Ambassador” is pronounced am-BAS-uh-duh (/æmˈbæs.ə.dɚ/ in IPA).
How do you use “ambassador” in a sentence?
Here is “ambassador” used in a sentence: “The new ambassador presented her credentials to the president.”
What part of speech is “ambassador”?
“Ambassador” is a noun.
Where does the word “ambassador” come from?
The word “ambassador” comes from Italian. From Old Italian ambassadore, ultimately traced back through Old Occitan and Proto-Celtic to a root meaning "to drive around" — the original sense being a servant or messenger sent on an errand.
Is “ambassador” a common word?
“Ambassador” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “ambassador” have?
“Ambassador” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a diplomat of the highest rank sent by one country to represent it in another.
What is the difference between an 'ambassador' and a 'diplomat'?
A 'diplomat' is any official who represents their country abroad, at various ranks. An 'ambassador' is a diplomat of the highest rank, who heads a country's mission in another nation, so every ambassador is a diplomat but not every diplomat is an ambassador.
What is the difference between an 'ambassador' and a 'consul'?
An 'ambassador' is the top diplomat representing their whole country and usually works from an embassy in the capital. A 'consul' handles more practical matters, such as helping citizens and supporting trade, and is based at a consulate.
What is the difference between a 'brand ambassador' and a 'spokesperson'?
A 'brand ambassador' represents and promotes an organization, brand, or cause on an ongoing basis, often informally and by association. A 'spokesperson' is appointed to speak officially on an organization's behalf, especially to the media, and their role is usually more formal and specific.
How do you address an ambassador?
In formal settings an ambassador is often addressed as 'Your Excellency' or simply as 'Ambassador'. In written correspondence they may be referred to as 'His Excellency' or 'Her Excellency' followed by their name.
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