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.
The president's remarks also sparked a diplomatic row, with the Burundian foreign affairs minister warning that "hate speech against Burundi" could have repercussions for Kenyans abroad.
From BBC ● Sep. 12, 2026
Guest: Josh Keating, senior correspondent covering foreign affairs at Vox.
From Slate ● Jul. 29, 2026
"The alliance reinforces Australia and Fiji's commitment to a peaceful, prosperous and secure region," said Australia's foreign affairs department.
From Barron's ● Jul. 6, 2026
China’s ministers for defense, foreign affairs and agriculture have been removed, along with other military commanders, regional leaders, financial regulators and state-enterprise executives.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 5, 2026
The secretary of state, in charge of foreign affairs, was considered the most influential cabinet member, more essential than the vice president.
From "Ambushed!" by Gail Jarrow
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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.