department

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-t^əl, ˌdē-\ adjective

— de·part·men·tal·ly \-tə-lē\ adverb

Examples of DEPARTMENT

1. Your letter has been forwarded to our sales department.
2. When you get to the hospital, go directly to the X-ray department.
3. the university's math and science departments
4. the department of modern languages
5. She joined the town's police department.

Origin of DEPARTMENT

French département, from Old French, act of dividing, from departir

First Known Use: 1735

Related to DEPARTMENT

Synonyms: agency, arm, branch, bureau, division, desk, office, service

Related Words: subdepartment, subdivision

see all synonyms and antonyms

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Rhymes with DEPARTMENT

apartment, compartment