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

Obama nominated Brennan, a 25-year veteran of the Central Intelligence Agency, to be its director in 2013.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jul. 1, 2026

She asked Pauken if he was spying on China or working for the Central Intelligence Agency, to which he said no.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 5, 2026

In one U.S. example, former Central Intelligence Agency officer Kevin Mallory, a military veteran who spoke Mandarin Chinese, was convicted in 2018 of selling U.S. government secrets to China.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 4, 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

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