Meaning & Definition of word "Foreigner"

Foreigner

/ˈfɔːrɪnər/

noun:

  • 1. A person from a foreign country.
    • Example: The conference will attract many foreigner participants from various countries.
  • 2. A person who is not a citizen of the country in which they are living or working.
    • Example: As a foreigner in a new city, she often felt out of place.
  • 3. Someone who is not familiar with the customs and culture of a particular place.
    • Example: He was treated kindly despite being a foreigner in their traditional community.

Etymology

The word 'foreigner' originates from Middle English, derived from the word 'forein', meaning 'external' or 'alien'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

foreigner's privilege:

The advantage given to foreigners in certain situations.

foreign affairs:

Matters relating to or concerning foreign countries.

foreign language:

A language not native to one's own country.

Related Words

immigrant:

A person who comes to live permanently in a foreign country.

expatriate:

A person who lives outside their native country.

citizen:

A legally recognized subject or national of a state.

Slang Meanings of foreigner

Meaning: Yank

Example Sentence: He is just a Yank passing through Europe.

Meaning: Gweilo

Example Sentence: In Hong Kong, some locals refer to Western foreigners as Gweilo.