department

[ dih-pahrt-muhnt ]

noun

1. a distinct part of anything arranged in divisions; a division of a complex whole or organized system.

   Synonyms: segment, unit, section, bureau, branch

2. one of the principal branches of a governmental organization:

   the sanitation department.

3. (initial capital letter) one of the principal divisions of the U.S. federal government, headed by a secretary who is a member of the president's cabinet.
4. a division of a business enterprise dealing with a particular area of activity:

   the personnel department.

5. a section of a retail store selling a particular class or kind of goods:

   the sportswear department.

6. one of the sections of a school or college dealing with a particular field of knowledge:

   the English department.

7. one of the large districts into which certain countries, as France, are divided for administrative purposes.
8. a division of official business, duties, or functions:

   judicial departments.

9. a sphere or province of activity, knowledge, or responsibility:

   Paying the bills is not my department.

10. (usually initial capital letter) U.S. Army. (formerly) a large geographical division of the U.S. or its possessions as divided for military and defense purposes:

    the Hawaiian Department.

department

/ dɪˈpɑːtmənt; ˌdiːpɑːtˈmɛntəl /

noun

1. a specialized division of a large concern, such as a business, store, or university

   the geography department

2. a major subdivision or branch of the administration of a government
3. a branch or subdivision of learning

   physics is a department of science

4. a territorial and administrative division in several countries, such as France
5. informal.
   a specialized sphere of knowledge, skill, or activity

   wine-making is my wife's department

Derived Forms

• departmental, adjective
• ˌdepartˈmentally, adverb

Other Words From

• de·part·men·tal [dih-pahrt-, men, -tl, dee-pahrt-], adjective
• de·part·mental·ly adverb
• nonde·part·mental adjective
• nonde·part·mental·ly adverb
• prede·part·mental adjective
• subde·partment noun
• subde·part·mental adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of department¹

First recorded in 1730–35; from French département; equivalent to depart + -ment

Word History and Origins

Origin of department¹

C18: from French département, from départir to divide; see depart

Example Sentences

Department of Homeland Security to raise awareness about online child sexual exploitation, which the agency calls a “rapidly escalating threat.”

From Los Angeles Times

Department of Justice initiative that seeks to combat technology-facilitated sex crimes against children.

From Los Angeles Times

Department of Health and Human Services — some are hopeful that the GOP can exercise its governing power to revive a psychedelic movement that has shown signs of losing steam.

From Salon

Elon Musk, who Trump appointed to lead a new Department of Government Efficiency agency, has said that he has a prescription for ketamine, a psychedelic-like anesthetic, and has discussed using other psychedelics.

From Salon

The district attorney’s office and the Santa Paula Police Department launched an investigation into Braff last month, and that effort continues.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• administration
• agency
• area
• board
• branch
• bureau
• commission
• division
• office
• staff
• station
• unit