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

The Washington Post reported that the two U.S. officials worked for the Central Intelligence Agency.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 21, 2026

Central Intelligence Agency director John Ratcliffe went on to praise the mission’s “flawless execution” during the briefing.

From Barron's • Apr. 6, 2026

After leaving the US Army, Kent served as a paramilitary officer in the Central Intelligence Agency.

From Barron's • Mar. 17, 2026

In recent weeks, the Energy Secretary Chris Wright, the head of the Central Intelligence Agency, and the commander of U.S. military forces in Latin America visited Caracas to meet Rodríguez.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 5, 2026

The photographer, a retired Central Intelligence Agency agent named Howard Hunt, sat down to take notes.

From "Most Dangerous: Daniel Ellsberg and the Secret History of the Vietnam War" by Steve Sheinkin