ENGLISH
REFERENCE

FBI

n. countable
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈɛfˈbiˈaɪ// fbi Humorous

n. Stands for Federal Bureau of Investigation. The main government agency in the United States that investigates serious crimes like bank robberies and computer hacking.

n. Abbreviation for Federal Bureau of Investigation. The primary federal law enforcement and domestic intelligence agency of the United States, operating under the Department of Justice. Often used in internet slang as shorthand for perceived government surveillance.


SIMPLE

The FBI investigated the major bank robbery.

CONTEXTUAL

After the cyberattack on the national power grid, the FBI took over the investigation from local police.

COMPLEX

Jurisdictional boundaries between the FBI and local law enforcement can become blurred during high-profile kidnapping cases that cross state lines.

Usage

Usually preceded by the definite article 'the'. When used as a proper noun, it is always capitalized.

Pitfall

He works for FBI.He works for the FBI.As a specific government agency, it requires the definite article 'the'.

© 2026 English Reference