Central Intelligence Agency

American  

noun

1. CIA.

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Central Intelligence Agency British  

noun

1. See CIA

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Central Intelligence Agency Cultural  

1. An agency of the United States government, responsible for coordinating information-gathering activities outside the United States in the interest of national security. The CIA works with the Department of State and a variety of civilian and military organizations to protect American interests abroad and recommend directions for American foreign policy.

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The operations of the CIA are directed by the National Security Council.

The extreme secrecy of many of the CIA's operations has enhanced its reputation as an organization of espionage and intrigue.

Example Sentences

After leaving the US Army, Kent served as a paramilitary officer in the Central Intelligence Agency.

From Barron's • Mar. 17, 2026

Information from the Central Intelligence Agency helped Mexico track Oseguera down last weekend, according to a person familiar with the matter.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 24, 2026

Rubio began to meet regularly with Miller, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Central Intelligence Agency Director John Ratcliffe and Dan Caine, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, to discuss the potential military operation.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 7, 2026

As a regime stalwart, Rodríguez is seen as best-positioned to maintain near-term stability and lead a temporary government, according to an analysis by the Central Intelligence Agency.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 7, 2026

This highly classified space vehicle could take razor-sharp images and relay them via an electronic signal directly to the Central Intelligence Agency.

From "Spies: The Secret Showdown Between America and Russia" by Marc Favreau