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
Chelsea are due to have nine centre-backs, not including the possibility of any new signings, so this is an obvious department for a clear-out.
—Cerys Jones, New York Times, 21 May 2026
To exacerbate this, departments often live in silos, protecting their own data, turning leadership meetings into challenges of trust and confidence rather than opportunities to align and focus on strategic growth objectives.
—Tom Strohl, Forbes.com, 20 May 2026
Earlier this year, Cannon issued an additional order permanently restricting the department from releasing the report.
—Alexander Mallin, ABC News, 20 May 2026
In a statement on social media, Salinas Police Chief Carlos Acosta said the department received information late last year about possible criminal conduct involving Officer Brian Jimenez-Gomez.
—Carlos E. Castañeda, CBS News, 20 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for department
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Cerys Jones, New York Times, 21 May 2026
To exacerbate this, departments often live in silos, protecting their own data, turning leadership meetings into challenges of trust and confidence rather than opportunities to align and focus on strategic growth objectives.
—Tom Strohl, Forbes.com, 20 May 2026
Earlier this year, Cannon issued an additional order permanently restricting the department from releasing the report.
—Alexander Mallin, ABC News, 20 May 2026
In a statement on social media, Salinas Police Chief Carlos Acosta said the department received information late last year about possible criminal conduct involving Officer Brian Jimenez-Gomez.
—Carlos E. Castañeda, CBS News, 20 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 22 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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