department

noun

de·​part·​ment di-ˈpärt-mənt 

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: 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

departmental

di-ˌpärt-ˈmen-tᵊl 

ˌdē-

adjective

departmentally

di-ˌpärt-ˈmen-tə-lē 

ˌdē-

adverb

Synonyms

• agency
• arm
• branch
• bureau
• desk
• division
• office
• service

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

Actors’ Equity, in addition to representing actors and stage managers on Broadway, represents character actors and the parade departments at Disneyland. —Bychris Morris, Fortune, 9 Oct. 2024

Crews from Avalon, Los Angeles County Fire and the sheriff’s department joined in a search and found the plane about a mile west of Catalina Island Airport, according to the release. —Joseph Serna, Los Angeles Times, 9 Oct. 2024

This includes a polytechnic department with over 25 career pathways, such as culinary and automotive services course work. —Jake Allen, The Indianapolis Star, 9 Oct. 2024

The men’s area is a contrast to the lighter women’s department with its dark Piasentina stone with white veins. —Jean E. Palmieri, WWD, 9 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1735, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing department

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

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