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Definition of department

department

/dɪˈpɑːrt.mənt/
de · part · ment
Adverb:departmentally
•
Plural:departments
•
Adjective:departmental
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department Lexical Profile

department Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A distinct division of a large organization, such as a government, university, business, or store, dealing with a specific area of activity.

Example

"She was recently promoted to head the university's history department."

2

An area of special expertise, responsibility, or personal interest.

Example

"Fixing the plumbing is really not my department, so we should call a professional."

3

A major administrative territorial district in France and several other countries, roughly equivalent to a state or province.

Example

"They bought a quiet farmhouse in the Dordogne department of southwestern France."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for department
Antonyms
View all antonyms for department

• Rhymes for department

• Nearby Words

deodorizer
depart
departed
department
departmental
departmentalize
departmentally

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed from Middle French departement, from Old French departir ('to divide or separate'), ultimately from Late Latin departire.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Department. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/department
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