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
After a federal lawsuit accused USDA's data demand of violating federal privacy laws, a senior official said in court filings that data would not be collected until the department satisfied legal requirements and could ensure the data would be appropriately safeguarded.
—Jude Joffe-Block, NPR, 24 June 2025
The county Sheriff’s Office is handling the investigation under a reciprocal agreement with San Diego police so neither department investigates its own officers or deputies.
—Caleb Lunetta, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 June 2025
Soon, each department will need to make an additional 5.5% cut, said Davenport, whose office drafts the budget and leads labor negotiations.
—Rebecca Ellis, Los Angeles Times, 24 June 2025
Investigators are asking anyone with information about the shooting to contact the department or CRIMELINE at 800-423-8477 (TIPS).
—Silas Morgan, The Orlando Sentinel, 24 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for department
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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Jude Joffe-Block, NPR, 24 June 2025
The county Sheriff’s Office is handling the investigation under a reciprocal agreement with San Diego police so neither department investigates its own officers or deputies.
—Caleb Lunetta, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 June 2025
Soon, each department will need to make an additional 5.5% cut, said Davenport, whose office drafts the budget and leads labor negotiations.
—Rebecca Ellis, Los Angeles Times, 24 June 2025
Investigators are asking anyone with information about the shooting to contact the department or CRIMELINE at 800-423-8477 (TIPS).
—Silas Morgan, The Orlando Sentinel, 24 June 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 1 Jul. 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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