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

In one U.S. example, former Central Intelligence Agency officer Kevin Mallory, a military veteran who spoke Mandarin Chinese, was convicted in 2018 of selling U.S. government secrets to China.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 4, 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 Washington Post reported that the two U.S. officials worked for the Central Intelligence Agency.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Apr. 21, 2026

Two stern-faced men identified themselves as agents of the Central Intelligence Agency.

From "Fallout: Spies, Superbombs, and the Ultimate Cold War Showdown" by Steve Sheinkin