sheriff

noun

sher·​iff ˈsher-əf 

: an important official of a shire or county charged primarily with judicial duties (such as executing the processes and orders of courts and judges)

sheriffdom

ˈsher-əf-dəm 

-təm

noun

Examples of sheriff in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The three friends who traveled with Wells on the boat to Horn Island have been interviewed in depth, the sheriff told the Sun Herald. — Holly Yan, CNN Money, 20 July 2026

Since the files were lost, the sheriff’s office can’t say what individuals were interviewed or investigated. — Samantha Springer, NBC news, 19 July 2026

While the sheriff initially indicated investigators didn’t see signs of foul play, Wells’ parents suspect that something more nefarious could have happened. — Desiree Anello, PEOPLE, 19 July 2026

Nancy Lemus, who is also a sheriff’s deputy, alleged in the lawsuit that either Kelley-Eklund or Osborn pulled the pin of the grenade, killing all three. — Andrew Khouri, Los Angeles Times, 19 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English shirreve, from Old English scīrgerēfa, from scīr shire + gerēfa reeve — more at shire, reeve

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for sheriff

• sherif
• tariff
• nontariff

Kids Definition

sheriff

noun

sher·​iff ˈsher-əf 

: an official of a county who is in charge of enforcing the law

Etymology

Middle English shirreve "sheriff," from Old English scīrgerēfa "sheriff," from scīr "shire, county" and gerēfa "a government agent"

Legal Definition

sheriff

noun

sher·​iff

: an official of a county or parish charged primarily with judicial duties (as executing the processes and orders of courts and judges)

Etymology

Old English scīrgerēfa, from scīr shire + gerēfa reeve (king's agent)