View synonyms for department

department

[ dih-pahrt-muhnt ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

a distinct part of anything arranged in divisions; a division of a complex whole or organized system.
Synonyms: segment, unit, section, bureau, branch
one of the principal branches of a governmental organization:
the sanitation department.
(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.
a division of a business enterprise dealing with a particular area of activity:
the personnel department.
a section of a retail store selling a particular class or kind of goods:
the sportswear department.
one of the sections of a school or college dealing with a particular field of knowledge:
the English department.
one of the large districts into which certain countries, as France, are divided for administrative purposes.
a division of official business, duties, or functions:
judicial departments.
a sphere or province of activity, knowledge, or responsibility:
Paying the bills is not my department.
(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 /

a specialized division of a large concern, such as a business, store, or university
the geography department
a major subdivision or branch of the administration of a government
a branch or subdivision of learning
physics is a department of science
a territorial and administrative division in several countries, such as France
informal.
a specialized sphere of knowledge, skill, or activity
wine-making is my wife's department

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

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

Browse