Central Intelligence Agency

American  

noun

1. CIA.

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Central Intelligence Agency British  

noun

1. See CIA

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Central Intelligence Agency Cultural  

1. An agency of the United States government, responsible for coordinating information-gathering activities outside the United States in the interest of national security. The CIA works with the Department of State and a variety of civilian and military organizations to protect American interests abroad and recommend directions for American foreign policy.

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The operations of the CIA are directed by the National Security Council.

The extreme secrecy of many of the CIA's operations has enhanced its reputation as an organization of espionage and intrigue.

Example Sentences

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Central Intelligence Agency

David Rush, 49, who held a top secret security clearance at the Central Intelligence Agency, is to be sentenced on January 28 and faces a maximum of 20 years in prison, the Justice Department said.

From Barron's ● Oct. 6, 2026

Germany’s intelligence service lacks the statutory mandate or capacities of the Central Intelligence Agency to carry out covert operations on foreign soil.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 2, 2026

The Putin-Xi meeting comes days after Central Intelligence Agency Director John Ratcliffe made a secretive visit to Moscow.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 30, 2026

Curlee, who has since resigned from the Central Intelligence Agency after 20 years of service, recently shared her experience in a first-person essay published by The Atlantic magazine.

From Barron's ● Aug. 26, 2026

Two stern-faced men identified themselves as agents of the Central Intelligence Agency.

From "Fallout: Spies, Superbombs, and the Ultimate Cold War Showdown" by Steve Sheinkin