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
Garrison KeillorExamples 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
Ausberry said at a press conference last week that LSU and its athletic department are not broken.
—Chris Vannini, New York Times, 5 Nov. 2025
The musical tells the story of Tess McGill, a brainy young woman from Staten Island who lands a job as a secretary in the mergers an acquisitions department of a Manhattan brokerage firm.
—Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 Nov. 2025
In fiscal year 2000, VA’s budget was $46 billion, and the department had roughly 219,000 employees.
—Chris Dovi, USA Today, 4 Nov. 2025
McEvoy was a member of IATSE Local 478, which covers the art department, construction, allied crafts, electrics, greens, grips and props.
—Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 4 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for department
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Chris Vannini, New York Times, 5 Nov. 2025
The musical tells the story of Tess McGill, a brainy young woman from Staten Island who lands a job as a secretary in the mergers an acquisitions department of a Manhattan brokerage firm.
—Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 Nov. 2025
In fiscal year 2000, VA’s budget was $46 billion, and the department had roughly 219,000 employees.
—Chris Dovi, USA Today, 4 Nov. 2025
McEvoy was a member of IATSE Local 478, which covers the art department, construction, allied crafts, electrics, greens, grips and props.
—Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 4 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for department
Cite this Entry
“Department.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/department. Accessed 5 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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
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