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
Cite this Entry
“Department.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/department. Accessed 26 Jul. 2026.
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