foreign minister

American  

noun

1. (in countries other than the U.S.) a cabinet minister who conducts and supervises foreign and diplomatic relations with other states.

---

foreign minister British  

noun

1. US equivalent: secretary of state.  (often capitals) a cabinet minister who is responsible for a country's dealings with other countries

---

Other Word Forms

• foreign ministry noun

Etymology

Origin of foreign minister

First recorded in 1700–10

Example Sentences

Slavery was the "most horrendous crime that took place in the history of mankind", Ghana's foreign minister has told the BBC ahead of a landmark vote at the UN General Assembly.

From BBC

Rasmussen was foreign minister in the departing government, a coalition of three parties across the political center.

From The Wall Street Journal

The disclosure sparked an uproar in France; the foreign minister called for an investigation, saying “the facts are extremely serious.”

From The Wall Street Journal

But his position as foreign minister seems unlikely to equate to that of a "top person".

From Barron's

Steinmeier, a former foreign minister, said: "Our foreign policy does not become any more convincing simply because we do not call a breach of international law a breach of international law."

From Barron's

Related Words

• cabinet minister
• secretary of state