sheriff

noun

sher·​iff ˈsher-əf 

: an important official of a shire or county charged primarily with judicial duties (such as executing the processes and orders of courts and judges)

sheriffdom

ˈsher-əf-dəm 

-təm

noun

Examples of sheriff in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Deputies turned the contraband over to the U.S. Border Patrol, as is protocol when drugs are found washed up in the Keys, sheriff’s office spokesman Adam Linhardt said. —David Goodhue, Miami Herald, 22 Aug. 2025

Officials interviewed Johnson and later charged him after consulting with the Rockingham County District Attorney’s Office. 'Be vigilant and involved in monitoring cell phone and internet usage,' NC sheriff says Authorities said the victim's parents have been informed of the situation. —Saleen Martin, USA Today, 22 Aug. 2025

But while some sheriffs may speak out about issues like mental health, many are loath to discuss conditions in their corrections facilities. —Cody Copeland, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 Aug. 2025

The sheriff shared his thanks and pride at the hard work of the rescue teams, and shared the Gardner family’s appreciation for everyone that tried to find Grant. —Sam Gillette, People.com, 21 Aug. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English shirreve, from Old English scīrgerēfa, from scīr shire + gerēfa reeve — more at shire, reeve

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for sheriff

• sherif
• tariff
• nontariff

Kids Definition

sheriff

noun

sher·​iff ˈsher-əf 

: an official of a county who is in charge of enforcing the law

Etymology

Middle English shirreve "sheriff," from Old English scīrgerēfa "sheriff," from scīr "shire, county" and gerēfa "a government agent"

Legal Definition

sheriff

noun

sher·​iff

: an official of a county or parish charged primarily with judicial duties (as executing the processes and orders of courts and judges)

Etymology

Old English scīrgerēfa, from scīr shire + gerēfa reeve (king's agent)