three-letter agency en · NOUN
Etymology
From the initialisms of major intelligence agencies in the United States, such as the CIA, FBI and NSA.
Meanings
- (US, humorous) Any intelligence agency of the United States federal government.
- (US, broadly, humorous) Any intelligence agency, regardless of nationality or allegiance.
Forms
| Spelling | Features | Labels | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| three letter agency | alternative | lexicographic | |
| three-letter agencies | Number=Plur | lexicographic |