foreigner

noun

for·​eign·​er ˈfȯr-ə-nər How to pronounce foreigner (audio)
ˈfär-
Synonyms of foreignernext
1
: a person belonging to or owing allegiance to a foreign country
2
chiefly dialectal : one not native to a place or community : stranger sense 1c

Synonyms of foreigner

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Examples of foreigner in a Sentence

I can tell by your accent you're a foreigner in these parts.
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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.
In its latest update, China reported 16 deaths and 546 missing, including 261 foreigners. — Shristi Kafle, Los Angeles Times, 1 Sep. 2026 As of Sunday, Chinese authorities reported 16 deaths and 546 missing, and Chinese state media said 261 of the missing were foreigners, including over a hundred Nepalis. — ABC News, 31 Aug. 2026 The government will expand foreigners’ rights to develop real estate in Cuba. — Rick Jervis, USA Today, 30 Aug. 2026 Over 600 foreigners are missing, including 65 Americans, the Nepal Tourism Board said Thursday. — Joelle Gross, NBC news, 28 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for foreigner

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of foreigner was in the 15th century

Phrases Containing foreigner

Rhymes for foreigner

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Browse Nearby Words

foreign devil
foreigner
foreign exchange
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Cite this Entry

“Foreigner.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/foreigner. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

foreigner

noun
for·​eign·​er ˈfȯr-ə-nər How to pronounce foreigner (audio)
ˈfär-
: a person who is from a foreign country
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