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

In 2023, Paul was charged with assault, criminal mischief and domestic violence in the presence of a child, according to Salt Lake County sheriff’s records. —Marissa Martinez, NBC news, 20 Mar. 2026

The child said Duggar, who was the seventh oldest of 19 siblings on the TLC reality series, later apologized for his actions and no other incidents occurred, per the sheriff's office. —Taijuan Moorman, USA Today, 20 Mar. 2026

The sheriff's office said the victim's identity will be made available by the coroner's office in accordance with their protocols. —Tim Fang, CBS News, 20 Mar. 2026

Bond has not been set, according to the sheriff’s department. —Michael Sinkewicz, FOXNews.com, 20 Mar. 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)