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CIA

1 American  
Or C.I.A.

abbreviation

  1. Central Intelligence Agency: the U.S. federal agency that coordinates governmental intelligence activities outside the United States.


Cia. 2 American  

abbreviation

  1. Company.


CIA British  

abbreviation

  1. Central Intelligence Agency; a federal US bureau created in 1947 to coordinate and conduct espionage and intelligence activities

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of Cia.

From the Spanish word Compañía

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The company’s early success came from its work with CIA and tactical military intelligence teams.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 4, 2026

Muhammad Rahim arrived at Guantanamo in March 2008 and was accused by the CIA of being a close associate of the al-Qaeda chief Osama bin Laden.

From Barron's • Mar. 24, 2026

Gabbard appeared last week before the House Select Intelligence Committee and the Senate Intelligence Committee and, along with FBI Director Kash Patel and CIA Director John Ratcliffe, delivered the worldwide threats assessment.

From Salon • Mar. 22, 2026

The now-declassified CIA report cited a range of potential threats to crude-oil shipments through the strait, from sea mines to sabotage from tiny wooden craft known as dhows.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 21, 2026

At the same time, a CIA agent named Joe Murphy walked over the line to confirm the American’s identity.

From "Fallout: Spies, Superbombs, and the Ultimate Cold War Showdown" by Steve Sheinkin