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
The warrant was based on a lead that investigators received, the department said, but no arrests were made.
—Brendan Morrow, USA Today, 16 Feb. 2026
The costume department also works with cultural consultant Jennifer Wheeler to make sure traditional clothing is authentic.
—Pat Saperstein, Variety, 15 Feb. 2026
Her husband, William Palonco, a retired sergeant, served 26 years in the department before becoming a nurse.
—Rebecca White, New York Daily News, 15 Feb. 2026
What helped the department through this trauma was the outpouring from the community – indeed, from the country and beyond – which wrapped supportive and grateful arms around the APD.
—Denise Crosby, Chicago Tribune, 15 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for department
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Brendan Morrow, USA Today, 16 Feb. 2026
The costume department also works with cultural consultant Jennifer Wheeler to make sure traditional clothing is authentic.
—Pat Saperstein, Variety, 15 Feb. 2026
Her husband, William Palonco, a retired sergeant, served 26 years in the department before becoming a nurse.
—Rebecca White, New York Daily News, 15 Feb. 2026
What helped the department through this trauma was the outpouring from the community – indeed, from the country and beyond – which wrapped supportive and grateful arms around the APD.
—Denise Crosby, Chicago Tribune, 15 Feb. 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 16 Feb. 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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