Central Intelligence Agency

American  

noun

1. CIA.

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Central Intelligence Agency British  

noun

1. See CIA

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Central Intelligence Agency Cultural  

1. An agency of the United States government, responsible for coordinating information-gathering activities outside the United States in the interest of national security. The CIA works with the Department of State and a variety of civilian and military organizations to protect American interests abroad and recommend directions for American foreign policy.

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The operations of the CIA are directed by the National Security Council.

The extreme secrecy of many of the CIA's operations has enhanced its reputation as an organization of espionage and intrigue.

Example Sentences

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Central Intelligence Agency

Obama nominated Brennan, a 25-year veteran of the Central Intelligence Agency, to be its director in 2013.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 1, 2026

She asked Pauken if he was spying on China or working for the Central Intelligence Agency, to which he said no.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 5, 2026

As acting DNI, Pulte will become America’s spy chief, coordinating efforts from the Central Intelligence Agency, National Security Agency, and others.

From Barron's ● Jun. 2, 2026

That alone would make notable last weekend’s reported death of two Central Intelligence Agency officers in the Mexican state of Chihuahua.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Apr. 24, 2026

The Central Intelligence Agency was created in September 1947, its mission to combine all the nation's overseas intelligence operations under one roof.

From "Spies: The Secret Showdown Between America and Russia" by Marc Favreau