department
noun
de·part·ment
di-ˈpärt-mənt 
1
a
: a distinct sphere : province
that's not my department
b
: a category consisting especially of a measurable activity or attribute
lacking in the trustworthiness department—
Garrison Keillor
Garrison Keillor2
: a functional or territorial division: such as
a
: a major administrative division of a government
b
: a major territorial administrative subdivision
c
: a division of a college or school giving instruction in a particular subject
d
: a major division of a business
e
: a section of a department store handling a particular kind of merchandise
f
: a territorial subdivision made for the administration and training of military units
Examples of department in a Sentence
Your letter has been forwarded to our sales department.
When you get to the hospital, go directly to the X-ray department.
the university's math and science departments
the department of modern languages
She joined the town's police department.
Recent Examples on the Web
That in itself makes the department venture a waste of time and money, as well as a danger to public health.
—Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 1 Apr. 2025
The Associated Press reported earlier this month that the department is planning to cut more than 80,000 jobs to return to its prepandemic staffing level of less than 400,000 employees.
—Alexander Bolton, The Hill, 1 Apr. 2025
Lori Tremmel Freeman, CEO of the National Association of County and City Health Officials, said some departments have already begun cutting staff.
—Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Apr. 2025
Along the way, Butman made connections with WCC's department leaders and instructors.
—Jamie L. Lareau, USA Today, 1 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for department
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 1 Apr. 2025
The Associated Press reported earlier this month that the department is planning to cut more than 80,000 jobs to return to its prepandemic staffing level of less than 400,000 employees.
—Alexander Bolton, The Hill, 1 Apr. 2025
Lori Tremmel Freeman, CEO of the National Association of County and City Health Officials, said some departments have already begun cutting staff.
—Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Apr. 2025
Along the way, Butman made connections with WCC's department leaders and instructors.
—Jamie L. Lareau, USA Today, 1 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for department
Cite this Entry
“Department.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/department. Accessed 10 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
department
noun
de·part·ment
di-ˈpärt-mənt
1
: a distinct area of interest or activity
taking care of the cat is not my department
2
a
: a major administrative division of a government or business
b
: a major territorial administrative division
c
: a division of a college or school giving instruction in a particular subject
d
: a section of a department store
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