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 Central Intelligence Agency in recent months published unusually bold videos in Mandarin openly recruiting Chinese spies from the ranks of the country’s military.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 10, 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

More than 170 American aircraft and some 200 troops took part in the operation to rescue the F-15 crew members, Trump said Monday, an effort that included assistance from the Central Intelligence Agency.

From Barron's • Apr. 6, 2026

Information from the Central Intelligence Agency helped Mexico track Oseguera down last weekend, according to a person familiar with the matter.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 24, 2026

The Central Intelligence Agency had assured Eisenhower of this again and again.

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