FBI

The word “FBI” means the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the United States' main domestic intelligence and federal law enforcement agency. In plain terms, the FBI is the U.S. government agency that investigates federal crimes like terrorism, organized crime, cybercrime, and major fraud.

“FBI” is pronounced EHF-bee-eye (/ˈɛf.biː.aɪ/ in IPA).

Here is “FBI” used in a sentence: “The FBI opened an investigation into the fraud case.”

“FBI” is a noun.

“FBI” is a fairly common word in modern English.

The FBI is a domestic agency — it investigates federal crimes and handles security within the United States. The CIA works abroad, gathering foreign intelligence to inform national security. Put simply, the FBI looks inward at law enforcement at home, while the CIA looks outward at intelligence overseas.

The FBI investigates federal crimes such as terrorism, cybercrime, organised crime, public corruption, and kidnapping. It also serves as the country's main domestic intelligence agency, protecting national security. Its agents gather evidence, make arrests, and work with local, state, and international partners on major cases.

Local police enforce state and city laws and respond to everyday crime in their community. The FBI is a national agency that handles federal offences and cases crossing state lines, such as terrorism or large-scale fraud. The two often cooperate, but their authority and scope differ.