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
Just down the road, Harrods also has a Christmas department — outfitted with gifts, ornaments, and all types of baubles.
—Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 23 Nov. 2024
The materials were created this year by the Texas Education Agency after a new law required the department to make a statewide curriculum for school districts to use after approval from the education board.
—Democrat-Gazette Staff From Wire Reports, arkansasonline.com, 23 Nov. 2024
City spokesperson Crystal Cotti said the rest will be transferred to the capital reserve fund, which pays for one-time expenses from various city departments.
—Rachel Royster, Austin American-Statesman, 22 Nov. 2024
Leverage Available Resources: For employees impacted by workplace adjustments or reclassification efforts, consult with HR departments or employee assistance programs to explore options such as relocation support, telework waivers, or other accommodations.
—Tom Spiggle, Forbes, 22 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for department 
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 23 Nov. 2024
The materials were created this year by the Texas Education Agency after a new law required the department to make a statewide curriculum for school districts to use after approval from the education board.
—Democrat-Gazette Staff From Wire Reports, arkansasonline.com, 23 Nov. 2024
City spokesperson Crystal Cotti said the rest will be transferred to the capital reserve fund, which pays for one-time expenses from various city departments.
—Rachel Royster, Austin American-Statesman, 22 Nov. 2024
Leverage Available Resources: For employees impacted by workplace adjustments or reclassification efforts, consult with HR departments or employee assistance programs to explore options such as relocation support, telework waivers, or other accommodations.
—Tom Spiggle, Forbes, 22 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for department
Dictionary Entries Near department
Cite this Entry
“Department.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/department. Accessed 30 Nov. 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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