foreigner

noun

for·​eign·​er ˈfȯr-ə-nər 

ˈfär-

1

: a person belonging to or owing allegiance to a foreign country

2

chiefly dialectal : one not native to a place or community : stranger sense 1c

Synonyms of foreigner

• stranger

Examples of foreigner in a Sentence

I can tell by your accent you're a foreigner in these parts.

Recent Examples on the Web

Each year, the provision is used by American intelligence agencies to collect the electronic communications of hundreds of thousands of foreigners located outside of the United States. —Eric McDaniel, NPR, 12 June 2026

Since April, a series of anti-immigration protests have shaken South Africa, highlight tensions between foreign workers and locals who claim foreigners are taking their jobs. —ABC News, 11 June 2026

There is, of course, Itaewon, which is historically more associated with foreigners and other outsiders, where all who are deemed unacceptable are accepted. —Anton Hur, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 June 2026

While that sentiment in other European countries centers on migrants from the developing world, most foreigners in Switzerland – by far – are Europeans. —Jamey Keaten, Fortune, 10 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing foreigner

• anti-foreigner

Rhymes for foreigner

• coroner

Kids Definition

foreigner

noun

for·​eign·​er ˈfȯr-ə-nər 

ˈfär-

: a person who is from a foreign country