# consulate

/ˈkɑnsəɫət/ (US) · /kˈɒnsjʊlət/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/consulate
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. diplomatic building

noun · CEFR B2

the building or office where a consul works in a foreign city.

For teachers: the official building or office of a consul, typically providing services to citizens of the consul's home country.

- If you lose your passport while traveling, you should go to your nearest consulate for help.
- The local consulate provides essential services to expatriates, including the processing of emergency travel documents and the notarization of legal papers.

Usage: Often used with the definite article 'the' when referring to a specific city's office.

### 2. period of government

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal

the time during which a consul is in power, or a government led by consuls.

For teachers: the period of office of a consul, or a government characterized by the rule of consuls, such as in ancient Rome or Napoleonic France.

- The historian wrote a book about the French Consulate under Napoleon.
- During his first consulate, the statesman implemented several sweeping reforms that stabilized the economy after years of civil unrest.

Usage: Frequently capitalized when referring to specific historical periods, such as the French Consulate (1799–1804).

## Examples

- She went to the consulate to renew her passport.
- The local consulate helped the stranded tourists arrange their flights home.
- While the embassy handles high-level political relations, the consulate focuses on practical matters like visas and citizen support.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.