First Known Use: 1735
Dictionary
department
noun de·part·ment \di-ˈpärt-mənt\
: one of the major parts of a company, organization, government, or school
: an area in a store where a particular kind of product is sold
: a subject or activity that a person is interested in or responsible for
Full Definition of DEPARTMENT
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: 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
— de·part·men·tal \di-ˌpärt-ˈmen-təl, ˌdē-\ adjective
— de·part·men·tal·ly \-tə-lē\ adverb
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Origin of DEPARTMENT
French département, from Old French, act of dividing, from departir
Rhymes with DEPARTMENT
DEPARTMENT Defined for Kids
department
noun de·part·ment \di-ˈpärt-mənt\
Definition of DEPARTMENT for Kids
: a special part or division of an organization (as a government or college)
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