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 big Amendment 3 news this week was in suburban Orlando where sheriffs, police, fire chiefs and unions all forcefully called for defeat of Amendment 3. — Steve Bousquet, Sun Sentinel, 19 Sep. 2026

Anyone with information is asked to call the sheriff’s office at 208-642-6006 or Crime Stoppers of Idaho at 208-343-2677. — Rachel Roberts, Idaho Statesman, 19 Sep. 2026

In February, Zahnd revoked his endorsement of Presiding Commissioner Scott Fricker and filed a report with the sheriff’s office accusing Fricker of illegally tampering with his email account. — Ben Wheeler, Kansas City Star, 18 Sep. 2026

The deputies tried to close the gate, but the dogs tried to attack them, said Detective Samantha Choon, a sheriff’s office spokeswoman. — David Goodhue, Miami Herald, 18 Sep. 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)