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

The department would eventually sue the medical school if such a resolution is not found. —Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 11 June 2026

No charges were ultimately filed by prosecutors in connection with their daughter’s injuries and the police department told CNN there are no other open investigations involving Miller or Moreno. —Pamela Brown, CNN Money, 10 June 2026

Officers said that the department's Traffic Unit is currently investigating the crash and asked anyone who witnessed the accident or might have information to get in touch at [phone], extension 1139. —Adam England, PEOPLE, 10 June 2026

The department is offering a $250,000 reward for the identification of a suspect or suspects in the Ocean Beach homicides. —Kassia Bonesteel, CBS News, 10 June 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