department
noun
de·part·ment
di-ˈpärt-mənt 
1
: a functional or territorial division: such as
a
: a major administrative division of a government
b
: a major territorial administrative subdivision
c
: a division of a college or school giving instruction in a particular subject
d
: a major division of a business
e
: a section of a department store handling a particular kind of merchandise
f
: a territorial subdivision made for the administration and training of military units
2
a
: a distinct sphere : province
that's not my department
b
: a category consisting especially of a measurable activity or attribute
… lacking in the trustworthiness department.—
Garrison Keillor
Garrison KeillorExamples of department in a Sentence
Your letter has been forwarded to our sales department.
When you get to the hospital, go directly to the X-ray department.
the university's math and science departments
the department of modern languages
She joined the town's police department.
Recent Examples on the Web
Rick Morton, the department’s public information officer.
—Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 28 May 2026
Last fall, former Chief Floyd Mitchell openly criticized the stringent nature of federal court oversight while resigning from the department after just a year and a half on the job, leaving the agency searching for a new leader for at least the 10th time since 2015.
—Jakob Rodgers, Mercury News, 28 May 2026
Cities are just starting to get a handle on the costs associated with the crisis, including fire and police department costs and strains on city resources.
—Victoria Le, Oc Register, 27 May 2026
Police Chief Gene Harris said the department is using fewer cruisers in places like the Rose Bowl.
—Jeff Nguyen, CBS News, 27 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for department
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show current usage.
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 28 May 2026
Last fall, former Chief Floyd Mitchell openly criticized the stringent nature of federal court oversight while resigning from the department after just a year and a half on the job, leaving the agency searching for a new leader for at least the 10th time since 2015.
—Jakob Rodgers, Mercury News, 28 May 2026
Cities are just starting to get a handle on the costs associated with the crisis, including fire and police department costs and strains on city resources.
—Victoria Le, Oc Register, 27 May 2026
Police Chief Gene Harris said the department is using fewer cruisers in places like the Rose Bowl.
—Jeff Nguyen, CBS News, 27 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for department
Cite this Entry
“Department.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/department. Accessed 29 May. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
department
noun
de·part·ment
di-ˈpärt-mənt
1
: a distinct area of interest or activity
taking care of the cat is not my department
2
a
: a major administrative division of a government or business
b
: a major territorial administrative division
c
: a division of a college or school giving instruction in a particular subject
d
: a section of a department store
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