embassy

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noun em·bas·sy \ ˈem-bə-sē \

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

Protesters marched outside the American embassy.

Recent Examples of embassy from the Web

Our embassies worldwide should demarche their host governments with talking points (tailored as may be necessary) and data to explain and justify abrogating JCPOA.

— john r. bolton, National Review, "How to Get Out of the Iran Nuclear Deal," 28 Aug. 2017
The embassy confirmed the death of Christopher Allen and said his family had been notified.

— sam mednick, chicagotribune.com, "American killed in civil war-torn South Sudan was 'caught in fighting,' army says," 26 Aug. 2017
General Nicholson has also played the role of a diplomat, and not just because the embassy has lacked an ambassador since winter.

— mujib mashal, New York Times, "Trump’s Afghan Gamble Now Rests on General He Doubted," 24 Aug. 2017
Then came another page, followed by a call, this time at the Takanawa Tobu Hotel, a streamlined building near a Soviet embassy compound.

— Longreads, "How to Get Away with Spying for the Enemy," 20 July 2017
This mix of assets helped the Haqqanis carry out a long list of deadly and high-profile attacks in Kabul during the past decade, including an assault on the Indian embassy and another on the fortresslike Serena hotel.

— Washington Post, "Ruthless Taliban branch is center stage in U.S.-Pakistan tensions," 19 July 2017
The most chilling is the looming Soviet (now Russian) embassy.

— lori rackl, chicagotribune.com, "Spend a ‘Weekend in Havana’ with new PBS special," 17 July 2017
Anyone with information concerning Lacy is asked to contact their local FBI office or the nearest American embassy or consulate.

— darcy costello, The Courier-Journal, "FBI: Help us locate man wanted for child pornography charges who may have been seen in Ky.," 11 July 2017
Among them is the last CH-46D helicopter to leave the roof the U.S. embassy in Saigon before the city fell in 1975.

— mike freeman, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Kids, adults take the helm at Flying Leatherneck Museum's cockpit days," 9 July 2017

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

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First Known Use: 1534

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EMBASSY Defined for English Language Learners

embassy

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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

play

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

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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embassy

Definition of embassy

Examples of embassy in a Sentence

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Origin and Etymology of embassy

EMBASSY Defined for English Language Learners

embassy

Definition of embassy for English Language Learners

EMBASSY Defined for Kids

embassy

Definition of embassy for Students

Learn More about embassy

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