Attache

/ˌætəˈʃeɪ/

Meaning & Definition

noun
A person officially assigned to the staff of a diplomatic mission or to an international organization.
The French government appointed a cultural attache to promote artistic exchange.
An official representative or assistant with specific responsibilities or expertise, often in a diplomatic context.
As the press attache, she was responsible for all media inquiries and communications.

Etymology

From French 'attaché', meaning 'attached'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

cultural attache
A diplomat responsible for promoting cultural relations.
military attache
A military officer assigned to a diplomatic mission.
trade attache
An official dealing with trade issues in a foreign country.

Related Words

diplomat
An official representing a country abroad.
embassy
The official residence or offices of an ambassador.
consulate
A government office representing a country in a foreign city.

Slang Meanings

A fancy briefcase.
He showed up with his designer attache to the meeting.
A shorthand way to describe a high-level official.
He's an attache, so you can expect him to have important contacts.