foreign

adjective

for·​eign ˈfȯr-ən How to pronounce foreign (audio)
ˈfär-
1
: situated outside a place or country
especially : situated outside one's own country
foreign cities
2
: born in, belonging to, or characteristic of some place or country other than the one under consideration
has a large foreign population
foreign languages
3
: of, relating to, or proceeding from some other person or material thing than the one under consideration
foreign aid
4
: alien in character : not connected or pertinent
this design is not foreign from some people's thoughtsJonathan Swift
5
: related to or dealing with other nations
foreign trade
6
a
: occurring in an abnormal situation in the living body and often introduced from outside
a foreign body lodged in the esophagus
b
: not recognized by the immune system as part of the self
foreign proteins
7
: not being within the jurisdiction of a political unit (such as a state)
foreign corporations
foreignness noun
Choose the Right Synonym for foreign

extrinsic, extraneous, foreign, alien mean external to a thing, its essential nature, or its original character.

extrinsic applies to what is distinctly outside the thing in question or is not contained in or derived from its essential nature.

sentimental value that is extrinsic to the house's market value

extraneous applies to what is on or comes from the outside and may or may not be capable of becoming an essential part.

arguments extraneous to the issue

foreign applies to what is so different as to be rejected or repelled or to be incapable of becoming assimilated.

techniques foreign to French cuisine

alien is stronger than foreign in suggesting opposition, repugnance, or irreconcilability.

a practice totally alien to her nature

Examples of foreign in a Sentence

They've visited several foreign countries. We don't get many foreign visitors. Have you studied any foreign languages? She has a foreign accent. the ministry of foreign affairs
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Therefore, foreign firms like Mercedes-Benz need to localize their research, development, and operations in China and integrate Juan culture into their Western management style. London School Of Economics, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2025 Jonathan Glazer’s 2024 Oscar winner The Zone of Interest won the César for best foreign film. Scott Roxborough, The Hollywood Reporter, 28 Feb. 2025 Travel host Jo Franco shares four must-learn phrases in any foreign language to help you on your journey and sound more like a local. Alexandra Banner, CNN, 28 Feb. 2025 Trump will be the first modern foreign leader to be hosted by the British royal family for two state visits. Naomi Lim, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 28 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for foreign

Word History

Etymology

Middle English forein, from Anglo-French, from Late Latin foranus on the outside, from Latin foris outside — more at forum

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of foreign was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Foreign.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/foreign. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

foreign

adjective
for·​eign ˈfȯr-ən How to pronounce foreign (audio)
ˈfär-
1
: located outside a place or country and especially outside one's own country
foreign nations
2
: born in, belonging to, or characteristic of a place or country other than the one under consideration
foreign language
foreign customs
3
: related to or dealing with other nations
foreign affairs
foreign office
4
: not normally found in an area or part
a foreign body in the eye
foreignness noun

Medical Definition

foreign

adjective
for·​eign ˈfȯr-ən, ˈfär- How to pronounce foreign (audio)
1
: occurring in an abnormal situation in the living body and often introduced from outside
a foreign body lodged in the esophagus
2
: not recognized by the immune system as part of the self
foreign proteins

Legal Definition

foreign

adjective
for·​eign
: not being within the jurisdiction of a political unit (as a state)
especially : being from or in a state other than the one in which a matter is being considered
a foreign company doing business in South Carolina
a foreign executor submitting to the jurisdiction of this court
a foreign judgment
compare domestic

More from Merriam-Webster on foreign

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