foreign legion: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1formal, historical, military
Quick answer
What does “foreign legion” mean?
A military unit composed of foreign volunteers, historically associated with the French Foreign Legion.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A military unit composed of foreign volunteers, historically associated with the French Foreign Legion.
Any group or organization composed of outsiders, foreigners, or non‑natives, often implying a tough, disciplined, or mercenary character.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. The referent is almost always the French Foreign Legion in both varieties.
Connotations
Identical connotations of romanticised hardship, exile, and mercenary service.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency in both dialects, used primarily in historical or military contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “foreign legion” in a Sentence
[Subject] joined the foreign legion.The foreign legion was stationed in [Location].He served with the foreign legion for [Time Period].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “foreign legion” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- He had a foreign‑legion mentality, always seeking hardship.
American English
- She admired his foreign‑legion style of discipline.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rarely used. Potentially metaphorical: 'The sales team is like a foreign legion of freelancers.'
Academic
Used in historical, military, or post-colonial studies contexts.
Everyday
Very rare. Might be used in historical discussion or as a cultural reference.
Technical
Specific to military history and organisation.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “foreign legion”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “foreign legion”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “foreign legion”
- Using 'foreign legion' as a generic term for any overseas military deployment (incorrect).
- Capitalising when not referring specifically to the French unit (e.g., 'He metaphorically joined a foreign legion.' – lower case).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, the French Foreign Legion only accepts men.
While other countries have had similar units, the term 'Foreign Legion' overwhelmingly refers to the French Légion étrangère.
No, French citizens can also join, but they must enlist under a declared identity, often of another nationality.
It means to drastically change one's life, often by taking on a difficult, anonymous, or escapist new role.
A military unit composed of foreign volunteers, historically associated with the French Foreign Legion.
Foreign legion is usually formal, historical, military in register.
Foreign legion: in British English it is pronounced /ˌfɒr.ɪn ˈliː.dʒən/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌfɔːr.ɪn ˈliː.dʒən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Join the Foreign Legion (figurative): to disappear or start a completely new, often difficult life.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
FOREIGN LEGION: Foreign Lands, Extreme Grind, Intense Obligation, No questions asked.
Conceptual Metaphor
AN ORGANIZATION IS A FOREIGN LEGION (for any group perceived as tough, secretive, or composed of outsiders).
Practice
Quiz
What is the most accurate description of the 'foreign legion' in its primary sense?