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

Carlos Fernández de Cossío, Cuba’s deputy foreign minister, said that while the country hopes to avert conflict, it is hardening its defenses.

From Los Angeles Times • May 22, 2026

Landry did join a meeting between Greenland’s prime minister and foreign minister and the U.S. ambassador to Denmark, Kenneth Howery.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 22, 2026

In an unusual step, Israel's foreign minister joined the condemnation of his cabinet colleague.

From BBC • May 20, 2026

It responded after Netanyahu and his foreign minister issued a statement saying they had ordered the "initiation of a defamation lawsuit".

From BBC • May 15, 2026

After a meeting with President da Fonseca, Roosevelt met with Lauro Müller, the lean and elegant foreign minister of Brazil.

From "Death on the River of Doubt" by Samantha Seiple

Related Words

• cabinet minister
• secretary of state