foreigner

noun

for·​eign·​er ˈfȯr-ə-nər 

ˈfär-

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

• stranger

Examples of foreigner in a Sentence

I can tell by your accent you're a foreigner in these parts.

Recent Examples on the Web

Many foreigners skipped it, citing the United States’ recent detainment of travelers and noncitizens over their public statements or social-media posts. —Emma Sarappo, The Atlantic, 25 June 2025

Israel says nearly 1,200 Israelis and foreigners were killed in the initial Oct. 7, 2023, attack. —Jane Arraf, NPR, 20 June 2025

The tax may also greatly discourage foreigners from investing in the United States. —Stephen Moore, Boston Herald, 19 June 2025

Nationalism tends to grow rapidly when local populations are confronted by the prospect of rule by foreigners and especially rule as the object of a foreign military intervention. —Robert A. Pape, Foreign Affairs, 17 June 2025

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing foreigner

• anti-foreigner

Rhymes for foreigner

• coroner

Kids Definition

foreigner

noun

for·​eign·​er ˈfȯr-ə-nər 

ˈfär-

: a person who is from a foreign country