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

And a sheriff’s investigation into possible fraud at Angel Paws is underway, said sheriff’s Deputy Kia Sawada. —Karen Kucher, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 Oct. 2025

Major Dustin Cosson with the sheriff’s office told ABC 13 that the couple’s explanation was unacceptable. —Raven Brunner, PEOPLE, 19 Oct. 2025

Kristin Knox, a spokesperson for the Pulaski County sheriff’s office, which had 14 deputies monitoring the Pride Parade route, said her agency also hadn’t made any arrests or responded to any complaints. —Arkansas Online, 18 Oct. 2025

Mickey is only acting sheriff for now, having yet to be officially elected after inheriting the role from her old boss. —Alison Herman, Variety, 17 Oct. 2025

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)