Definition

1. Noun:
   • A group of diplomats led by an ambassador: "Embassy" can refer to the ambassador and their staff collectively, representing their home country in a foreign nation.
   • The official building of an ambassador: "Embassy" also refers to the physical building or compound where the ambassador and their staff work and sometimes live.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • The French embassy issued a travel advisory for its citizens. (The official diplomatic mission of France communicated a warning.)
  • Protesters gathered outside the embassy. (Demonstrators assembled in front of the diplomatic building.)
  • The entire embassy attended the formal reception. (All the diplomatic staff were present at the official event.)

Advanced Usage

• "Embassy row": A street or area in a capital city where many foreign embassies are located.
  • The new ambassador's residence is on the prestigious embassy row.
• "Embassy official": A member of the diplomatic staff working at an embassy.
  • An embassy official spoke to the press about the negotiations.

Variants and Related Words

• Ambassador (n): The chief diplomat representing a country in a foreign nation.
  • The ambassador presented her credentials to the host country's president.
• Consulate (n): A diplomatic office below the rank of an embassy, often located in major cities outside the capital, focused on assisting its citizens and promoting trade.
  • You can apply for a visa at the consulate in the city center.
• Diplomatic mission (n): A broader term encompassing embassies, consulates, and other official representations abroad.
  • The country maintains a diplomatic mission in over 100 nations.

Synonyms

• Diplomatic delegation: A group of diplomats on a specific mission.
• Legation (historical/formal): A diplomatic mission headed by a minister, of lower rank than an embassy.

Related Phrases

• To seek asylum at an embassy: To request protection from a foreign government by entering its embassy.
  • The journalist sought asylum at the embassy to avoid persecution.
• Embassy grounds: The land and buildings belonging to an embassy, often enjoying special legal status.
  • The security on the embassy grounds was extremely tight.

Related Idioms

• A diplomatic pouch/embassy bag: A container used by embassies to send official documents and items, which is protected by international law from being searched or seized.
  • The sensitive documents were sent via the diplomatic pouch.

Noun

1. an ambassador and his entourage collectively
2. a diplomatic building where ambassadors live or work