foreign affairs
Americanplural noun
plural noun
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matters abroad that involve the homeland, such as relations with another country
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matters that do not involve the homeland
Etymology
Origin of foreign affairs
First recorded in 1605–15
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
While there have been diplomatic efforts to calm tensions, most recently with a meeting between their foreign affairs officials in Abuja, the issue has spread beyond politics.
From BBC ● Jul. 31, 2026
Guest: Josh Keating, senior correspondent covering foreign affairs at Vox.
From Slate ● Jul. 29, 2026
The late Republican senator, who was a top adviser to Trump on foreign affairs, is being laid to rest in South Carolina tomorrow.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 28, 2026
The 15-page report was sent to New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and his ministers for defence, foreign affairs, and intelligence.
From Barron's ● Jun. 26, 2026
“By the end of the meeting,” Haldeman remembered, “Nixon was as angry as his foreign affairs chief. The thought that an alleged weirdo was blatantly challenging the president infuriated him.”
From "Most Dangerous: Daniel Ellsberg and the Secret History of the Vietnam War" by Steve Sheinkin
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
