# foreigner

/ˈfɑɹənɝ/ (US) · /fˈɒɹənɐ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/foreigner
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. person from another country

noun · CEFR B1

a person who was born in or comes from a country that is not your own.

For teachers: a person belonging to or coming from a foreign country. While technically neutral, it is often replaced by 'international visitor' or 'immigrant' in sensitive contexts to avoid sounding exclusionary.

- When I first moved to Tokyo, I felt like a foreigner because I didn't speak the language.
- The new legislation aims to simplify the visa process for foreigners who wish to establish small businesses within the country.

Usage: Countable noun.

Teaching tip: Advise students that while this word is common, using 'locals' and 'visitors' or 'expats' often sounds more natural and polite in casual conversation.

### 2. unofficial private work

noun · CEFR C2 · Informal · British English · Dialect

a private job that a worker does for their own profit instead of for their employer.

For teachers: an unofficial or private piece of work undertaken by an employee, typically using the employer's tools or time, without the employer's knowledge.

- The mechanic did a few foreigners on the weekend to make some extra cash.
- Management began cracking down on staff who were using the factory lathes to complete foreigners during their lunch breaks.

Usage: Common in British and Australian trades slang.

## Examples

- The local guide helps every foreigner find their way around the city.
- When you move to a new country, you might feel like a foreigner until you learn the local language and customs.
- The legal framework distinguishes between a resident alien and a temporary foreigner, granting different rights regarding employment and social services based on their specific visa status.

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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.