An ambassador is an official representative sent by one country's government to live in another country and maintain good relations between the two nations. The United States has ambassadors in countries around the world, and other countries send their ambassadors to live in Washington, D.C. These diplomats work in buildings called embassies, where they help citizens from their home country who are traveling abroad, arrange meetings between government leaders, and work to keep communication open between nations.

Ambassadors serve their home country while living abroad. When two countries disagree, ambassadors work behind the scenes to find solutions before small problems become big conflicts. During international emergencies, ambassadors help coordinate responses and protect their citizens.

Outside of government, people use ambassador more loosely. A company might name someone a “brand ambassador” to represent its products. A school might choose student ambassadors to show visitors around campus. In these cases, the word means someone who represents a group or cause and puts its best face forward. Whether official or informal, an ambassador is always someone chosen to represent others because they can build bridges and communicate effectively.