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 BBC contacted the Indian foreign ministry, the hospital responsible for the identification process in Gujarat and the UK foreign office but has received no responses.

From BBC • Jun. 11, 2026

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

It follows UK foreign office advice for Iraq which currently advises against travel to the country.

From BBC • Nov. 8, 2025

Herr Ribben- trop's been able virtually to bypass our foreign office altogether.

From "The Remains of the Day" by Kazuo Ishiguro

Related Words

• embassy