noun

department

dih-PAHTMNT

noun

A distinct section of an organisation, business, or government responsible for a particular area of work.

"She works in the marketing department at head office."

"The fire department responded within minutes of the call."

A particular area of responsibility, skill, or interest (often used loosely).

"Cooking dinner is definitely my husband's department, not mine."

One of the administrative regions into which France is divided.

"France is made up of just over one hundred departments."

How to Use Department

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA section of a larger organisation, or informally, someone's area of responsibility.

Common pairings

department store human resources department not my department

departments plural

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She works in the marketing _____ at head office.

From Middle French département, itself from départir ("to divide, distribute"); the same root as "depart."

apartment compartment