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
Synonyms
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
Plus, the brilliant colors splashed across the night sky are created by an array of potentially toxic metals, says Terry Gordon, a professor in the department of environmental medicine at NYU Langone Health.
—Angela Haupt, TIME, 27 June 2024
The department disputed the inspector general’s findings and said its records showed that only 20 people missed their shifts the evening of the breakout.
—Rebecca Ellis, Los Angeles Times, 27 June 2024
The department has also noticed an increase in phishing scams.
—Nushrat Rahman, Detroit Free Press, 27 June 2024
While the bridge is closed, the department said drivers should take Maze Road via Dix and Acton Road, and commercial and heavy trucks should take I-74 to go east or westbound.
—Yasmeen Saadi, The Indianapolis Star, 27 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for department 
Angela Haupt, TIME, 27 June 2024
The department disputed the inspector general’s findings and said its records showed that only 20 people missed their shifts the evening of the breakout.
—Rebecca Ellis, Los Angeles Times, 27 June 2024
The department has also noticed an increase in phishing scams.
—Nushrat Rahman, Detroit Free Press, 27 June 2024
While the bridge is closed, the department said drivers should take Maze Road via Dix and Acton Road, and commercial and heavy trucks should take I-74 to go east or westbound.
—Yasmeen Saadi, The Indianapolis Star, 27 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for department
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'department.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near department
Cite this Entry
“Department.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/department. Accessed 2 Jul. 2024.
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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