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embassy

noun
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em·​bas·​sy | \ ˈem-bə-sē How to pronounce embassy (audio) \
plural embassies

Definition of embassy

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

Examples of embassy in a Sentence

Protesters marched outside the American embassy.
Recent Examples on the Web The Ukrainian embassy staff asked what is going on with Ukrainian security assistance. — NBC News, "Meet the Press - November 24, 2019," 24 Nov. 2019 The embassy’s July questions show Ukrainians were aware of a possible hold on the aid earlier than previously known. — BostonGlobe.com, "Cooper is the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Russia and Ukraine. She is testifying Wednesday before a House committee in the impeachment inquiry into Trump.," 21 Nov. 2019 Last week, Ambassador William Taylor, the man who effectively oversees the U.S. embassy in Ukraine, seemed to keep Volker at arm’s length. — Yvonne Wingett Sanchez, azcentral, "Impeachment inquiry: Kurt Volker testifies he worked to connect Trump, new Ukraine leader," 19 Nov. 2019 In Tehran, new anti-American graffiti has appeared on the wall around the former U.S. embassy, now turned into a museum for a paramilitary militia. — Carol Morello, Anchorage Daily News, "Trump administration sanctions top aides to Iranian leader Khamenei," 4 Nov. 2019 Should a deal be reached, the U.S. would also withdraw embassy staff and move them to posts on its Asia team. — Emily Tillett, CBS News, "U.S. plans for withdrawal of thousands of troops from Afghanistan," 2 Aug. 2019 Rebecca Kanter was taken into custody on Tuesday after allegedly screaming and cursing at embassy staff and kicking over a display and some furniture. — Bonnie Stiernberg, Billboard, "A$AP Rocky Fan Arrested After Threatening to Blow Up Swedish Embassy," 27 July 2019 Feeley said the embassy staff lay low for a while after that, quietly going about its business. — Tracy Wilkinson, latimes.com, "Trump's strong reaction to leak of British memos puts a chill on diplomacy," 11 July 2019 Evidence now suggests that strange symptoms experienced by US embassy staff in Havana and China may have been the result of attacks with a microwave—and Russian agents are now the most likely suspects behind the attacks. — Sean Gallagher, Ars Technica, "US Intelligence thinks Russia may have microwaved US embassies in Cuba, China," 11 Sep. 2018

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.

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First Known Use of embassy

1534, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for embassy

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

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Time Traveler for embassy

Time Traveler

The first known use of embassy was in 1534

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Statistics for embassy

Last Updated

8 Dec 2019

Cite this Entry

“Embassy.” The Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster Inc., https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/embassy. Accessed 13 December 2019.

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More Definitions for embassy

embassy

noun
How to pronounce embassy (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of embassy

: 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

See the full definition for embassy in the English Language Learners Dictionary

embassy

noun
em·​bas·​sy | \ ˈem-bə-sē How to pronounce embassy (audio) \
plural embassies

Kids Definition of embassy

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

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More from Merriam-Webster on embassy

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

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