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

2

: 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

departmental

di-ˌpärt-ˈmen-tᵊl 

ˌdē-

adjective

departmentally

di-ˌpärt-ˈmen-tə-lē 

ˌdē-

adverb

Synonyms

• agency
• arm
• branch
• bureau
• desk
• division
• office
• service

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

He’s worked in newsrooms all across the country, including overseeing the USA TODAY sports department. —David Ammenheuser, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 Mar. 2025

And now Linda McMahon is running the education department. —David Browne, Rolling Stone, 8 Mar. 2025

Demolishing the department of education and cutting state aid to veterans are just two measures that increase vulnerability. —Mike O'Sullivan, Forbes, 8 Mar. 2025

The suspect’s name hasn’t been released, but Jennings said the department would be sharing the individual’s name. —Jeff A. Chamer, Charlotte Observer, 8 Mar. 2025

Word History

Etymology

French département, from Old French, act of dividing, from departir

First Known Use

1735, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing department

• department store
• fire department
• purchasing department
• sub-department

Rhymes for department

• apartment
• compartment
• departement

Kids 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

departmental

di-ˌpärt-ˈment-ᵊl 

ˌdē-

adjective

departmentally

-ᵊl-ē 

adverb