foreigner

noun

for·​eign·​er ˈfȯr-ə-nər How to pronounce foreigner (audio)
ˈfär-
Synonyms of foreignernext
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

Examples of foreigner in a Sentence

I can tell by your accent you're a foreigner in these parts.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In late 2022, the Kremlin declared martial law in several areas along the border of Ukraine, which allows the government to seize property, restrict movement, limit public gatherings, detain foreigners and forcibly relocate residents, according to the State Department. Angie Leventis Lourgos, Chicago Tribune, 28 June 2026 And yet, the endless stream of upbeat posts from foreigners has gone a long way in reframing the bigger picture. Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 26 June 2026 Mobs are looting foreigners’ shops. Ryan Lenora Brown, Christian Science Monitor, 26 June 2026 While everyone has been very accepting of me and my partner as foreigners, the language is really the locals’ big sticking point. Matt Ortile, Condé Nast Traveler, 25 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for foreigner

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of foreigner was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Foreigner.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/foreigner. Accessed 3 Jul. 2026.

Kids Definition

foreigner

noun
for·​eign·​er ˈfȯr-ə-nər How to pronounce foreigner (audio)
ˈfär-
: a person who is from a foreign country

More from Merriam-Webster on foreigner

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster