Department of State

noun phrase

: the part of the U.S. government that is responsible for how the U.S. deals with other countries

Examples of Department of State in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

That is because Miller and Hubbard filled out voter-registration applications in South Florida and the information was transmitted to the Department of State in Leon County. —Jim Saunders, Sun Sentinel, 17 July 2024

Each application requires two checks, one to the U.S. Department of State and one to the Tarrant County Clerk, so be prepared with multiple. Fees for those 16 years and older are $130 ($190 for expedited) for the passport, $35 for the execution fee, and $15 for the photo fee. —Ella Gonzales, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 12 July 2024

Grier visited the islands for a Mother’s Day vacation with two stray bullets in her luggage, according to the Florida Department of State, which pushed for Grier’s return. —Skyler Swisher, Orlando Sentinel, 12 July 2024

The Texas Department of State Health Services also confirmed one human case of West Nile virus in the Houston area. —Elysee Barakett, NBC News, 5 July 2024

Legal Definition

Department of State

Agency

federal executive division responsible for carrying out U.S. foreign policy. It is the president's principal means of conducting treaty negotiations and effecting agreements with foreign nations. Under its control are the U.S. Mission to the United Nations, seven bureaus of political affairs, the U.S. Foreign Service (including 270 embassies, consulates, and diplomatic missions, and numerous subagencies), and various offices of diplomatic security, foreign intelligence, policy analysis, international narcotics control, protocol, and passport and medical services. The department's legal adviser advises the secretary of state on all matters of international law arising in the conduct of foreign relations.