Definition

Proper noun The United States Department of State is the executive department of the U.S. federal government responsible for formulating and implementing the nation's foreign policy and conducting international relations and diplomacy. It is headed by the Secretary of State.

Usage

The term is used as the official name of a specific U.S. government agency. * The United States Department of State issues travel advisories for citizens going abroad. * She began her career working for the United States Department of State. * The ambassador reports directly to the United States Department of State.

Advanced Usage

• The State Department: This is the common, shortened name used in everyday language, media, and even in formal contexts. It is synonymous with "United States Department of State."
  • A spokesperson for the State Department held a press briefing today.

Variants and Related Words

• State Department (n.): The standard abbreviated form.
• Department of State (n.): The formal short name, often used in legal and official documents.
• Secretary of State (n.): The title of the cabinet member who leads the Department of State.
• Foggy Bottom (n.): A metonym for the State Department, derived from the name of the neighborhood in Washington, D.C., where its headquarters are located.
  • The decision from Foggy Bottom was expected by noon.

Synonyms

• U.S. State Department
• American State Department

Notes on Meaning

While "United States Department of State" refers specifically to the institution and its bureaucracy, the term State Department can sometimes be used metonymically to refer to U.S. foreign policy or the official stance of the U.S. government on international matters. * The White House and the State Department presented a unified front on the trade issue. (Here, it represents the institution and its leadership). * The State Department's position has been clear from the start. (Here, it represents the official policy formulated by the department).

Noun

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