foreign office

American  

noun

1. the department of a government that handles foreign affairs.

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foreign office British  

noun

1. US equivalent: State Department.  Canadian equivalent: department of external affairs.  the ministry of a country or state that is concerned with dealings with other states

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Etymology

Origin of foreign office

First recorded in 1855–60

Example Sentences

The UK's two embassies in the UAE, in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, will however "continue to operate as normal", the foreign office said.

From Barron's • Mar. 9, 2026

A foreign office spokesman said discussions were continuing with the U.S., though he disputed the idea that Britain was delaying implementing the deal, saying there had never been a timetable.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 25, 2026

The US said it would send ICE agents to the Games to help support American security operations, prompting anger from the Italian foreign office and citizens.

From BBC • Feb. 9, 2026

The UK foreign office has asked travellers to register their presence on the island.

From BBC • Nov. 1, 2025

The "other endeavor" sounded vague, so Dasch asked what kind of work he would be doing in the foreign office.

From Nazi Saboteurs by Samantha Seiple

Related Words

• embassy