foreign office

American  

noun

1. the department of a government that handles foreign affairs.

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foreign office British  

noun

1. US equivalent: State Department.  Canadian equivalent: department of external affairs.  the ministry of a country or state that is concerned with dealings with other states

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Etymology

Origin of foreign office

First recorded in 1855–60

Example Sentences

"If you choose to remain in Mali, you do so at your own risk. You should have a personal emergency plan that does not rely on the UK government," the foreign office added.

From BBC • Apr. 29, 2026

The UK's two embassies in the UAE, in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, will however "continue to operate as normal", the foreign office said.

From Barron's • Mar. 9, 2026

The foreign office separately announced Monday that "as a precautionary measure" dependants of UK embassy staff in the UAE will be temporarily withdrawn from the country.

From Barron's • Mar. 9, 2026

A foreign office spokesman said discussions were continuing with the U.S., though he disputed the idea that Britain was delaying implementing the deal, saying there had never been a timetable.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 25, 2026

The "other endeavor" sounded vague, so Dasch asked what kind of work he would be doing in the foreign office.

From Nazi Saboteurs by Samantha Seiple

Related Words

• embassy