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

departmental

di-ˌpärt-ˈmen-tᵊl 

ˌdē-

adjective

departmentally

di-ˌpärt-ˈmen-tə-lē 

ˌdē-

adverb

Synonyms of department

• agency
• office
• bureau

Examples of department in a Sentence

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.

Recent Examples on the Web

And both the immune and eliminated designers are high on their own power; Elizabeth, in particular, is acting mighty haughty for a woman whose ruffled scarlet satin dress looks like a reject from the Westworld costume department. — Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 17 July 2026

According to a July 3 letter obtained by The Sacramento Bee, the city still needed to complete required rezoning, adopt the housing element and submit both to HCD before the department could certify the plan. — Naomi Taxay, Sacbee.com, 17 July 2026

The most prominent position that UM’s athletic department has filled in the portal has been quarterback, with Cam Ward, Carson Beck and now Darian Mensah signed to big-money deals the past three years. — Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 17 July 2026

Commissioner of Agriculture Sid Miller has declared an agricultural emergency, allowing the department to provide resources to help farmers, ranchers and agribusinesses recover from the widespread flood damage. — Mary Ella Hastings july 16, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 16 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

circa 1735, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing department

• department store
• fire department
• purchasing department
• sub-department

Rhymes for department

• apartment
• compartment
• departement

Kids Definition

department

noun

de·​part·​ment di-ˈpärt-mənt 

1

: a distinct area of interest or activity

taking care of the cat is not my department

2

a

: a major administrative division of a government or business

b

: a major territorial administrative division

c

: a division of a college or school giving instruction in a particular subject

d

: a section of a department store

departmental

di-ˌpärt-ˈment-ᵊl 

ˌdē-

adjective

departmentally

-ᵊl-ē 

adverb