# envoy

/ˈɑnvɔɪ/ (US) · /ˈɛnvɔɪ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/envoy
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. diplomatic representative

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal

a person sent by a government to represent their country in another place.

For teachers: a diplomatic agent sent by a state as a representative; technically, a diplomat ranking just below an ambassador.

- The president sent a special envoy to the peace talks to help reach an agreement.
- The United Nations envoy arrived in the capital to mediate between the warring factions and oversee the distribution of humanitarian aid.

### 2. messenger

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal · Literary

someone who carries an important message or performs a task for a leader.

For teachers: a person acting as a messenger or agent, often for a high-profile figure or organization.

- The king's envoy delivered the letter to the neighboring city.
- The corporate envoy was tasked with delivering the sensitive merger proposal directly to the board of directors.

### 3. short poem ending

noun · CEFR C2 · Technical · Literary

a short final part at the end of a poem or book.

For teachers: a short concluding stanza of a poem, such as a ballade, often serving as a dedication or summary.

- The poet added a short envoy at the end of the book to thank his friends.
- The ballade concludes with a four-line envoy addressed directly to the prince, summarizing the moral of the preceding stanzas.

Usage: Often spelled 'envoi' in modern literary criticism.

## Examples

- The president sent a special envoy to discuss the peace treaty.
- The trade envoy arrived in the capital to negotiate new export agreements between the two nations.
- Acting as a special envoy for the United Nations, the former prime minister spent weeks mediating between the warring factions to establish a humanitarian corridor.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.