consulate

American  

[kon-suh-lit] / ˈkɒn sə lɪt /

noun

1. the premises officially occupied by a consul.

2. the position, work, authority, or term of service of a consul.

3. (often initial capital letter) a government by consuls, as in France from 1799 to 1804.

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consulate British  

/ ˈkɒnsjʊlɪt /

noun

1. the business premises or residence of a consul

2. government by consuls

3. the office or period of office of a consul or consuls

4. (often capital)

   1. the government of France by the three consuls from 1799 to 1804

   2. this period of French history

5. (often capital)

   1. the consular government of the Roman republic

   2. the office or rank of a Roman consul

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Etymology

Origin of consulate

1350–1400; Middle English < Latin consulātus, equivalent to consul consul + -ātus -ate ³

Example Sentences

The consulate in San Bernardino said it contacted Ramos-Solano’s family to provide assistance and support.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 30, 2026

In the Pakistani megacity of Karachi, an AFP journalist witnessed hundreds of pro-Iranian protesters trying to enter the US consulate, prompting clashes with police.

From Barron's • Mar. 1, 2026

He suggests that those moving abroad have contacts in their new home country, back in the U.S. and at the nearest U.S. consulate or embassy.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 24, 2026

He regularly turned up at the U.K.’s New York consulate, would commandeer the consulate’s car and visit friends, including Epstein, the book says.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 21, 2026

Despite repeated assurances from consulate staff, he could not believe he was really under the protection of the South Korean government.

From "Escape from Camp 14: One Man's Remarkable Odyssey from North Korea to Freedom in the West" by Blaine Harden

Related Words

• ministry