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

Britain's foreign minister Yvette Cooper warned her Iranian counterpart in a phone call "against targeting UK bases, territory or interests directly", a foreign office statement said.

From Barron's • Mar. 20, 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

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

Herr Ribben- trop's been able virtually to bypass our foreign office altogether.

From "The Remains of the Day" by Kazuo Ishiguro

Related Words

• embassy