foreign affairs

American  

plural noun

1. activities of a nation in its relationships with other nations; international relations.

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foreign affairs British  

plural noun

1. matters abroad that involve the homeland, such as relations with another country

2. matters that do not involve the homeland

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Etymology

Origin of foreign affairs

First recorded in 1605–15

Example Sentences

Greenspan’s wife, Andrea Mitchell, the chief Washington correspondent and chief foreign affairs correspondent for NBC News, shared the news of her husband’s death in a statement provided to the network.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 22, 2026

Volexity’s researchers have seen this technique compromise organizations in government, military, foreign affairs and even the news media, Adair said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 18, 2026

When Labour regained power in 1974, Hattersley was made minister of state for foreign affairs.

From BBC • Jun. 14, 2026

Cedric Perrin, chief of the foreign affairs and defence committee at the French Senate, said that Macron "was the only one who still believed in the survival of FCAS."

From Barron's • Jun. 8, 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