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
Garrison Keillor2
: 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
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
Allegations in the federal lawsuit include: The Department of State penalized Jonny's Road Testing for failing to meet reporting deadlines related to driver testing information, despite acknowledging systemic failures in the software system the department required driver testing companies to use.
—Paul Egan, Freep.com, 31 July 2025
The department uses a Rural Mail Carrier Survey to track Ohio’s rabbit population, which involves distributing survey cards to all postmasters across the state, who then give the cards to the carriers delivering mail on rural routes.
—Emma Wozniak, The Enquirer, 31 July 2025
Refugee screening clinic: The department is slowly winding down.
—Nicole Villalpando, Austin American Statesman, 31 July 2025
Police have arrested two 16-year-old boys in connection to the shooting and charges will be referred to the Milwaukee County District Attorney's Office, the department said.
—Drake Bentley, jsonline.com, 30 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for department
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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Paul Egan, Freep.com, 31 July 2025
The department uses a Rural Mail Carrier Survey to track Ohio’s rabbit population, which involves distributing survey cards to all postmasters across the state, who then give the cards to the carriers delivering mail on rural routes.
—Emma Wozniak, The Enquirer, 31 July 2025
Refugee screening clinic: The department is slowly winding down.
—Nicole Villalpando, Austin American Statesman, 31 July 2025
Police have arrested two 16-year-old boys in connection to the shooting and charges will be referred to the Milwaukee County District Attorney's Office, the department said.
—Drake Bentley, jsonline.com, 30 July 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 3 Aug. 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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