noun
Uncommon
envoy
EN-voy
Envoy (noun) means a person sent by a government or organisation to represent it in dealings with another, especially on a specific mission. Example: “The president appointed a special envoy to the peace talks.”
noun
1
A person sent by a government or organisation to represent it in dealings with another, especially on a specific mission.
"The president appointed a special envoy to the peace talks."
"An envoy from the United Nations arrived to broker a ceasefire."
2
diplomacy A diplomat ranking just below an ambassador, formally styled envoy extraordinary and minister plenipotentiary.
"She served as envoy in Lisbon before her posting to Paris."
How to use envoy
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSomeone officially sent to speak or negotiate on behalf of a country or group.
Memory tip
The plural is 'envoys', with no change to the spelling of the stem.
Trace the full origin ↓
Easily confused with
Common pairings
special envoy
peace envoy
envoy to the region
presidential envoy
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The president appointed a special _____ to the peace talks.
Etymology
From French envoyé, the past participle of envoyer ('to send'), from Vulgar Latin inviare ('to send on the way'), from in- plus via ('way').
Synonyms
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Rhymes for envoy
See all rhymes for envoy →Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between an envoy and an ambassador?
An ambassador is a country's permanent, highest-ranking representative in another state and heads the embassy there. An envoy is usually sent for a particular purpose or period, often to a conflict or negotiation, and does not necessarily run a mission.
What is a special envoy?
A special envoy is someone appointed to handle one defined issue, such as climate, hostages or a regional conflict, rather than relations with a single country. The role is normally temporary and reports directly to a leader or foreign ministry.
How is 'envoy' pronounced?
It is said EN-voy, with the stress on the first syllable. The older French-flavoured pronunciation ON-voy is occasionally heard but is not standard in English.
What is the meaning of envoy?
"envoy" (noun) means a person sent by a government or organisation to represent it in dealings with another, especially on a specific mission.
