embassy

[em-buh-see]

noun

plural

embassies 

1. a body of people entrusted with a mission to a sovereign or government, especially an ambassador and their staff.

2. the official headquarters of an ambassador.

3. the function or office of an ambassador.

4. a mission headed by an ambassador.

embassy

/ ˈɛmbəsɪ /

noun

1. the residence or place of official business of an ambassador

2. an ambassador and his entourage collectively

3. the position, business, or mission of an ambassador

4. any important or official mission, duty, etc, esp one undertaken by an agent

Word History and Origins

Origin of embassy¹

First recorded in 1570–80; variant of ambassy, from Middle French ambassee, Old French ambasce, ambaxee, ultimately from Old Provençal ambaissada, derivative of embayssar “to send a delegate,” from Medieval Latin ambasciāre, derivative of ambascia “service, office,” derivative, by a Germanic intermediary (compare Gothic andbahti, Old High German ambahti ) of Gallo-Latin ambactus “retainer, servant” (from Gaulish, equivalent to amb- “around, both” + -act- verbal adjective of unattested ag- “drive, lead”; compare Welsh amaeth “husbandman”); ambi-, amphi- ( def. ), act, ambassador

Word History and Origins

Origin of embassy¹

C16: from Old French ambassee, from Old Italian ambasciata, from Old Provençal ambaisada, ultimately of Germanic origin; see _ambassador

Example Sentences

The teenager is about five months pregnant and Mr Salakaia said the embassy had not checked on her health.

From BBC

He is currently under house arrest, banned from travelling and wears an ankle tag – after authorities expressed concern he may try to flee the country or seek political asylum in an embassy.

From BBC

The British embassy in Cairo has been closed temporarily after security barriers were removed from outside the building.

From BBC

Last week, Russian embassy officials said Moscow hopes trilateral talks with China and India will take place soon.

From BBC

Wong said that Australia would continue to maintain some diplomatic lines with Tehran but had suspended operations at its embassy in Iran for the safety of staff.

From BBC

Related Words

• commission 
• consulate 
• delegation 
• ministry