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.
Americans are in a cynical mood on foreign affairs, and many wonder why the U.S. should make sacrifices for an island some 6,000 miles away from Seattle.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 14, 2026
At the same time, he possessed a sophisticated worldview and a deep grasp of foreign affairs.
From Salon • May 14, 2026
"If this can take place, the ministry of foreign affairs will coordinate it," said a spokesperson.
From Barron's • May 4, 2026
According to Ghana's foreign affairs ministry, the man is in South Africa legally.
From BBC • Apr. 24, 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.
