consulate

American  

[kon-suh-lit] / ˈkɒn sə lɪt /

noun

1. the premises officially occupied by a consul.

2. the position, work, authority, or term of service of a consul.

3. (often initial capital letter) a government by consuls, as in France from 1799 to 1804.

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consulate British  

/ ˈkɒnsjʊlɪt /

noun

1. the business premises or residence of a consul

2. government by consuls

3. the office or period of office of a consul or consuls

4. (often capital)

   1. the government of France by the three consuls from 1799 to 1804

   2. this period of French history

5. (often capital)

   1. the consular government of the Roman republic

   2. the office or rank of a Roman consul

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Etymology

Origin of consulate

1350–1400; Middle English < Latin consulātus, equivalent to consul consul + -ātus -ate ³

Example Sentences

Soon after the announcement, U.S. consulates began rescheduling appointments for future dates, some as late as summer 2026, leaving employees who required appointments unable to return.

From Los Angeles Times

Hundreds of Indian professionals who traveled home this month to renew their U.S. work visas have found themselves unexpectedly stranded, after U.S. consulates abruptly canceled and rescheduled H‑1B interview appointments amid expanded vetting procedures.

From Salon

Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper advised any British people caught up in the shooting to contact the Sydney consulate for support.

From BBC

Modi announced two new 30-day visa schemes for Russian tourists visiting India, and said that two new Indian consulates had opened in Russia.

From BBC

The administration doubled down on that Thursday, instructing embassies and consulates to prioritize visa applications for foreigners planning to attend the World Cup or the 2028 L.A.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• ministry