Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
Menu
dictionary thesaurus

embassy

noun em·bas·sy \ ˈem-bə-sē \
|Updated on: 4 Aug 2018

Definition of embassy

plural embassies
1 : a body of diplomatic representatives; specifically : one headed by an ambassador
2 a : the function or position of an ambassador
b : a mission abroad undertaken officially especially by an ambassador
3 : embassage 1
4 : the official residence and offices of an ambassador

See embassy defined for English-language learners

See embassy defined for kids

Examples of embassy in a Sentence

  1. Protesters marched outside the American embassy.

Recent Examples of embassy from the Web

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'embassy.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of embassy

Middle French ambassee, ultimately of Germanic origin; akin to Old High German ambaht service

EMBASSY Defined for English Language Learners

embassy

noun

Definition of embassy for English Language Learners

  • : a group of people who work under an ambassador and represent their country in a foreign country

  • : the building where an ambassador lives and works

EMBASSY Defined for Kids

embassy

noun em·bas·sy \ ˈem-bə-sē \

Definition of embassy for Students

plural embassies
1 : a group of people led by an ambassador who represent their country in a foreign county
2 : the building where an ambassador lives or works

Learn More about embassy

  1. Spanish Central: Translation of embassy Nglish: Translation of embassy for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of embassy for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about embassy

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up embassy? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show hide

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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

WORD OF THE DAY

volatile

play

subject to rapid or unexpected change

Get Word of the Day daily email!

TRENDING NOW

  1. hogwash 'nonsense, balderdash'

  2. probity 'adherence to the highest principles and ideals'

  3. sequacious 'intellectually servile'

  4. inadmissible 'not capable of being allowed'

  5. oligarch, pejorative 'a member a government in which a small group exercises control especially for corrupt and selfish purposes'

SEE ALL

BROWSE DICTIONARY

embassy

Test Your Vocabulary

The Eponym Quiz

  • rubens-painting
  • Which is the best synonym of bowdlerize?
Name That Thing

Test your visual vocabulary with our 10-question challenge!

TAKE THE QUIZ
SCRABBLE® Sprint

Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games