relationships, negotiations and dealings between countries
foreign relations in American English
noun
1. (used with a pl. v.)
the dealings and relationships between nations
2. (used with a sing. v.)
the field of foreign affairs
an expert in foreign relations
3. (used with a sing. v.)
the quality or character of foreign affairs as a consequence of foreign policy
a deterioration in their foreign relations
Word origin
[1800–10, Amer.]This word is first recorded in the period 1800–10. Other words that entered Englishat around the same time include: chlorine, isolate, rejuvenate, sodium, studio
Examples of 'foreign relations' in a sentence
foreign relations
One likely area of change is in foreign relations.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
He is highly regarded and chairs the foreign relations committee.
Times, Sunday Times (2017)
Austerity measures and the rise of developing nations are taxing foreign relations ?
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
But it is disastrous when dealing with the sensitivities of foreign relations.
The Star (South Africa) (2005)
These usually relate to current defence, intelligence and foreign relations.
Times, Sunday Times (2009)
Think how the dynamics of politics and foreign relations would change.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
It not only narrows opportunities for our younger generation, but damages our future education system, economy and foreign relations.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
He laments the fact that the study of diplomacy and foreign relations has been edged out of history as now taught at the leading universities.