foreign aid

American  

noun

1. economic, technical, or military aid given by one nation to another for purposes of relief and rehabilitation, for economic stabilization, or for mutual defense.

---

foreign aid British  

noun

1. economic and other assistance given by one country to another

---

Other Word Forms

• foreign-aid
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of foreign aid

First recorded in 1955–60

Example Sentences

“The Cuban government does not, as a practice, reject foreign aid that is offered in good faith,” he said.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 14, 2026

The symbolic significance of an independent agency for foreign aid is powerful too.

From Slate • Apr. 23, 2026

Taliban officials have vowed to restore security and are courting foreign investors to secure crucial revenue streams as foreign aid funding dries up.

From Barron's • Jan. 20, 2026

But President Prabowo Subianto has refused foreign aid, insisting the situation is "under control".

From BBC • Dec. 25, 2025

The refugee camps were run by foreign aid groups, but it was the government that permitted them to operate.

From "A Long Walk to Water" by Linda Sue Park