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
The College For Creative Studies Fashion Design Program is recognized as the largest and most equipped fashion accessory design department in the United States.
—Cassell Ferere, Forbes.com, 4 May 2025
Educational opportunities often appear in other commercial deals with universities, including in apparel deals between athletic departments and companies like Nike and Adidas.
—Eben Novy-Williams, Sportico.com, 3 May 2025
An email sent in March from a former employee in the finance department to top management which was reviewed by The Times said MBN had $8 million in its accounts, including $4.7 million that could have been used to cover unused annual leave and partial severance.
—Nabih Bulos, Los Angeles Times, 3 May 2025
Her resignation comes two years after Hobbs’ previous pick to lead the health department withdrew her nomination following a heated confirmation hearing.
—Mary Hudetz, ProPublica, 2 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for department
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Cassell Ferere, Forbes.com, 4 May 2025
Educational opportunities often appear in other commercial deals with universities, including in apparel deals between athletic departments and companies like Nike and Adidas.
—Eben Novy-Williams, Sportico.com, 3 May 2025
An email sent in March from a former employee in the finance department to top management which was reviewed by The Times said MBN had $8 million in its accounts, including $4.7 million that could have been used to cover unused annual leave and partial severance.
—Nabih Bulos, Los Angeles Times, 3 May 2025
Her resignation comes two years after Hobbs’ previous pick to lead the health department withdrew her nomination following a heated confirmation hearing.
—Mary Hudetz, ProPublica, 2 May 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 10 May. 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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