officialdom

noun

of·​fi·​cial·​dom ə-ˈfi-shəl-dəm How to pronounce officialdom (audio)
ō-
: officials as a class

Examples of officialdom in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In the absence of a good officialdom that can help children, Hjorth offers a good witch who can hold them. — Elaine Blair, Harpers Magazine, 24 Feb. 2026 Even Russian officialdom has acknowledged the equipment shortages. — Rajan Menon, Foreign Affairs, 12 Apr. 2023 Chinese officialdom has noticed. — Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 19 Apr. 2026 Of course, Mexican officialdom working with criminals is not exactly a new phenomenon. — Daniel Depetris, Chicago Tribune, 5 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for officialdom

Word History

Etymology

official entry 1 + -dom

First Known Use

1863, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of officialdom was in 1863

Browse Nearby Words

official at bat
officialdom
officialese
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Officialdom.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/officialdom. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

officialdom

noun
of·​fi·​cial·​dom ə-ˈfish-əl-dəm How to pronounce officialdom (audio)
: officials as a class
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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