What does "embassy" mean?
The function or duty of an ambassador.
Embassy
/ˈɛmbəsi/ noun
noun ·Moderate ·High school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: The function or duty of an ambassador.
- Grammar: embassy is listed as noun.
- Nearest alternatives: adobe house, advice, agency, agentship.
- Useful contrasts: consulate, consulates, legation.
- Usage evidence: My sister works at the United States Embassy in London.
How to use "embassy"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "embassy" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "embassy" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "embassy" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "embassy" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "embassy" is acting as noun in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "adobe house" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
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Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "embassy", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 The function or duty of an ambassador.
"The King told me, […] That I ſhould have the Character of Ambaſſador Extraordinary, and the ſame Allovvance I ſhou'd have had in Spain: Upon this Offer I made no Demurr, but immediately accepted it, and ſo my Ambaſſy vvas declar'd in May 1674."
- 2 a diplomatic building where ambassadors live or work wordnet
- 3 An organization or group of officials who permanently represent a sovereign state in a second sovereign state or with respect to an international organization such as the United Nations.
"The American embassy to France is located in Paris."
- 4 an ambassador and their entourage collectively wordnet
- 5 A temporary mission representing a sovereign state.
"The Japanese embassy to the United States traveled to Washington, D.C., where it was received by James Buchanan, before continuing on to New York and then returning to Japan, making several stops on the way."
Show 2 more definitions
- 6 The official residence of such a group, or of an ambassador.
- 7 A written account as to an embassy. archaic
"By the various Relations, Embaſſies and Voyages of Siam that have been publiſht within theſe laſt Four Years […]"
Synonyms
All synonymsAntonyms
Example
"My sister works at the United States Embassy in London."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "embassy"?
Common synonyms include: adobe house, advice, agency, agentship, assignment, authority.
How do you use "embassy" in a sentence?
My sister works at the United States Embassy in London.
How do you pronounce "embassy"?
Pronounced /ˈɛmbəsi/.
Etymology
Modern variant of obsolete ambassy, from Middle French ambassee (“mission, embassy”), from Old French ambascee (also enbassee (“message for a high official, official mission”)) from Old Italian ambasciata, from Old Occitan ambaissada (“embassy”), derived from ambaissa (“message”), from Late Latin ambactia (“service rendered”) (attested also as ambascia, from Proto-Germanic *ambahtiją (“service”), *ambahtaz (“follower, servant”), from Gaulish ambaxtos (“dependant, vassal”, literally “one who is sent around”), from Proto-Celtic *ambaxtos (“servant”), from Proto-Indo-European *h₂m̥bʰi-h₂eǵ- (“drive around”); compare Latin ambactus, Old Irish amus, amsach (“mercenary, servant”), Welsh amaeth (“tenant farm”)). Doublet of ambassade.