embassy

[ em-buh-see ]

/ ˈɛm bə si /

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noun, plural em·bas·sies.

a body of persons entrusted with a mission to a sovereign or government, especially an ambassador and his or her staff.

the official headquarters of an ambassador.

the function or office of an ambassador.

a mission headed by an ambassador.

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Origin of embassy

First recorded in 1570–80; variant of ambassy, from Middle French ambassee, Old French ambasce, ambaxee, ultimately from Old Provençal ambaissada, derivative of embayssar “to send a delegate,” from Medieval Latin ambasciāre, derivative of ambascia “service, office,” derivative, by a Germanic intermediary (compare Gothic andbahti, Old High German ambahti ) of Gallo-Latin ambactus “retainer, servant” (from Gaulish, equivalent to amb- “around, both” + -act- verbal adjective of unattested ag- “drive, lead”; compare Welsh amaeth “husbandman”); see origin at ambi-, amphi-, act, ambassador

Words nearby embassy

embarrass, embarrassing, embarrassment, embarrassment of riches, embassage, embassy, embattle, embattled, embattlement, embay, embayment

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use embassy in a sentence

That means that only the Stars and Stripes should fly over our embassies in foreign countries.
Marjorie Taylor Greene backs legislation to ban Pride flags at U.S. embassies|Chris Johnson|February 1, 2021|Washington Blade
Blinken during his confirmation hearing also said he would once again allow ambassadors to fly Pride flags at their embassies.
Senate confirms Antony Blinken as next secretary of state|Michael K. Lavers|January 26, 2021|Washington Blade
Blinken told Markey he would once again allow ambassadors to fly Pride flags at their embassies if confirmed to succeed Pompeo.
Blinken pledges to ‘repudiate’ State Department human rights commission|Michael K. Lavers|January 20, 2021|Washington Blade
Adelson, a driving force in the effort to relocate the embassy, pledged millions of dollars to the State Department to help pay for a new building.
Sheldon Adelson, casino magnate who influenced policy from D.C. to Jerusalem, dies at 87|Donald Frazier|January 12, 2021|Washington Post

In 2012, a bomb attached to an Israeli diplomat’s car in New Delhi exploded, wounding an embassy staff member.
Is War Next for 2020?|Charu Kasturi|September 21, 2020|Ozy
The 2001 grand jury indictment named 21 suspects as being involved in the U.S. embassy bombings, including Osama bin Laden.
Final Chapter for Accused Africa Bomber|Jamie Dettmer|January 4, 2015|DAILY BEAST
On May 9, which Moscow commemorates as World War II “Victory Day,” Klaus paid a highly visible visit to the Russian Embassy.
Vaclav Klaus, Libertarian Hero, Has His Wings Clipped by Cato Institute|James Kirchick|December 22, 2014|DAILY BEAST
The Greek embassy confirmed the death, which has barely registered by the international press.
Riding Thailand’s WWII Death Railway|Liza Foreman|December 21, 2014|DAILY BEAST
The U.S. will reopen an embassy in Havana, meaning an ambassador will be appointed.
Up To Speed: The Cuba Embargo|Nina Strochlic|December 18, 2014|DAILY BEAST
I asked him to describe the U.S. mission that will likely revert back to the embassy it was more than a half century ago.
Meet America’s Next Ambassador to Cuba|Eleanor Clift|December 18, 2014|DAILY BEAST
His attitude was of course resented, and there was considerable feeling in Vienna against the French Embassy.
Napoleon's Marshals|R. P. Dunn-Pattison
But he was not yet received back into full favour by the Emperor, and had to return to his embassy at Lisbon.
Napoleon's Marshals|R. P. Dunn-Pattison
The embassy for Japan—with a gift, which shall not seem an acknowledgment—you say, could not be sent off last year, which is well.
The Philippine Islands, 1493-1898, Volume XX, 1621-1624|Various
Sir Nicholas invited me to lunch at Therapia, where the Embassy was in residence in its summer quarters.
Fifty Years of Railway Life in England, Scotland and Ireland|Joseph Tatlow
The embassy was the most magnificent that England had ever sent to any foreign court.
The History of England from the Accession of James II.|Thomas Babington Macaulay

British Dictionary definitions for embassy

embassy

/ (ˈɛmbəsɪ) /

noun plural -sies

the residence or place of official business of an ambassador

an ambassador and his entourage collectively

the position, business, or mission of an ambassador

any important or official mission, duty, etc, esp one undertaken by an agent

Word Origin for embassy

C16: from Old French ambassee, from Old Italian ambasciata, from Old Provençal ambaisada, ultimately of Germanic origin; see ambassador

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

embassy

Origin of embassy

Words nearby embassy

Words related to embassy

How to use embassy in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for embassy

Word Origin for embassy