foreign office

American  

noun

1. the department of a government that handles foreign affairs.

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foreign office British  

noun

1. US equivalent: State Department.  Canadian equivalent: department of external affairs.  the ministry of a country or state that is concerned with dealings with other states

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Etymology

Origin of foreign office

First recorded in 1855–60

Example Sentences

Britain's foreign minister Yvette Cooper warned her Iranian counterpart in a phone call "against targeting UK bases, territory or interests directly", a foreign office statement said.

From Barron's • Mar. 20, 2026

The foreign office separately announced Monday that "as a precautionary measure" dependants of UK embassy staff in the UAE will be temporarily withdrawn from the country.

From Barron's • Mar. 9, 2026

A foreign office spokesman said discussions were continuing with the U.S., though he disputed the idea that Britain was delaying implementing the deal, saying there had never been a timetable.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 25, 2026

UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper says 24-hour consular services will be given to British nationals in Jamaica and that a dedicated crisis centre has been set up in the foreign office to help with this.

From BBC • Oct. 28, 2025

Kappe asked Dasch if he wanted to work for either the German foreign office or some other endeavor.

From Nazi Saboteurs by Samantha Seiple

Related Words

• embassy