foreign relations

American  

noun

1. (used with a plural verb) the dealings and relationships between nations.

2. (used with a singular verb) the field of foreign affairs.

   an expert in foreign relations.

3. (used with a singular verb) the quality or character of foreign affairs as a consequence of foreign policy.

   a deterioration in their foreign relations.

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Etymology

Origin of foreign relations

An Americanism dating back to 1800–10

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

foreign relations

Washington also targeted Jose Antonio Remon Rodriguez, head of MINFAR's foreign relations directorate, and Oscar Enrique Biosca Gallego, who oversees economic affairs within the ministry.

From Barron's ● Aug. 6, 2026

America’s foreign relations have “proceeded on the assumption”—drawn from the Enlightenment—that “political conditions everywhere can, should, and will be changed for the better.”

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 10, 2026

That optimistic note was echoed by Oleksandr Merezhko, chairman of the foreign relations committee in Ukraine's parliament.

From BBC ● Mar. 3, 2026

The House of Representatives and the Senate each have an armed services committee and a foreign relations or foreign affairs committee.

From Salon ● Dec. 6, 2025

What Washington was to America in the field, Franklin was to her in the foreign relations upon which it may well be doubted whether the success of her arms did not at times depend.

From Benjamin Franklin; Self-Revealed, Volume II (of 2) A Biographical and Critical Study Based Mainly on his own Writings by Wiliam Cabell Bruce

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Related Words

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