Definition

1. Proper noun:
   • The Department of State is the federal executive department of the United States government responsible for formulating and implementing the nation's foreign policy. It is headed by the Secretary of State.

Usage

• The Department of State is the primary agency for conducting American diplomacy.
• The Secretary of State is the head of the Department of State.
• A career diplomat works for the Department of State.

Examples

• The ambassador's instructions came directly from the Department of State.
• The Department of State issued a travel advisory for the region.
• He has served in several overseas posts for the Department of State.

Advanced Usage

• "State Department": This is the common, abbreviated name used to refer to the Department of State in everyday language and media.
  • The State Department spokesperson held a press briefing.

Variants and Related Words

• State Department (n): The common short form for the Department of State.
• Foggy Bottom (n): A metonym for the Department of State, derived from the name of the neighborhood in Washington, D.C., where its headquarters are located.
  • The decision from Foggy Bottom is expected soon.

Synonyms

• State Department: The most direct synonym.
• Foreign Office: A term used by many other countries for their equivalent ministry (e.g., the UK's Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office was historically called the Foreign Office).

Noun

1. the federal department in the United States that sets and maintains foreign policies
   • the Department of State was created in 1789