department
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About Our Definitions: All forms of a word (noun, verb, etc.) are now displayed on one page.de·part·ment
noun \di-ˈpärt-mənt\Definition of DEPARTMENT
1
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>
2
: a functional or territorial division: 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
— de·part·men·tal \di-ˌpärt-ˈmen-təl, ˌdē-\ adjective
— de·part·men·tal·ly \-tə-lē\ adverb
See Examples of DEPARTMENT
- 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.
Origin of DEPARTMENT
French département, from Old French, act of dividing, from departir
First Known Use: 1735
Rhymes with DEPARTMENT
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