sheriff

noun

sher·​iff ˈsher-əf How to pronounce sheriff (audio)
: 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 noun

Examples of sheriff in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Law enforcement also asked residents hunkering down to send an email to the sheriff’s office with their names, addresses, contact information and the number of people and pets at the location. Michael Loria, USA TODAY, 27 Sep. 2024 The general counsel for Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear ordered the sheriff accused of gunning down a judge in his chambers to resign by the end of the week or face removal proceedings. Tim Stelloh, NBC News, 26 Sep. 2024 After learning the mailers never went out, party officials questioned the authenticity of the documents, which were later determined to be forgeries, according to reports from the sheriff's office. Jeremy Duda, Axios, 26 Sep. 2024 What to know about Letcher County sheriff accused in fatal shooting Who is Kevin Mullins? Lucas Aulbach, The Courier-Journal, 25 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for sheriff 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'sheriff.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of sheriff was before the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near sheriff

Cite this Entry

“Sheriff.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sheriff. Accessed 6 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

sheriff

noun
sher·​iff ˈsher-əf How to pronounce sheriff (audio)
: 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)

More from Merriam-Webster on sheriff

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