# embassy

/ˈɛmbəsi/ (US) · /ˈɛmbəsˌi/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/embassy
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. the building

noun · CEFR B1

the official building in a foreign country where an ambassador and their staff work.

For teachers: the official residence or office of an ambassador and their diplomatic staff in a foreign capital.

- I had to go to the embassy to get a new passport after mine was stolen.
- Protesters gathered outside the embassy gates to deliver a formal petition to the ambassador regarding the recent trade restrictions.

### 2. the group of officials

noun · CEFR B2

a group of officials who represent their own country while living in another country.

For teachers: a body of diplomatic representatives, led by an ambassador, who permanently represent a sovereign state in another state.

- The embassy held a party to celebrate their national holiday with local leaders.
- The embassy issued a statement advising all citizens currently residing in the region to register their contact details with the consulate.

### 3. the role or mission

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal

the job or specific mission of an ambassador.

For teachers: the function, duty, or specific mission entrusted to an ambassador or diplomatic envoy.

- He was sent on a special embassy to negotiate the peace treaty.
- The success of the embassy depended entirely on the envoy's ability to navigate the complex social etiquette of the imperial court.

## Examples

- I need to visit the embassy to renew my travel visa.
- Protesters gathered outside the embassy to deliver a letter to the ambassador regarding the new trade laws.
- The embassy serves as a sovereign enclave where diplomats coordinate bilateral relations and provide essential consular services to citizens residing abroad.

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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.