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

An investigation led to Jamar Quarmaine Propst, 36, and Tosha Lee Lewis, 36, being identified as suspects, and they were arrested on July 25, the sheriff’s office said. — Mark Price july 26, Charlotte Observer, 26 July 2026

Counties first had sheriffs, jails and courthouses but then hospitals and schools. — Edward Lotterman, Twin Cities, 26 July 2026

In a social media post, the sheriff’s office said the 36-year-old man was seen at the South Lake Tahoe Police Department lowering the flag before trying to ignite it. — Nicole Buss, Sacbee.com, 26 July 2026

But the School District of Osceola County has hosted several e-bike safety courses for students in collaboration with the county sheriff’s office. — Steven Walker, The Orlando Sentinel, 26 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)