Department
/dɪˈpɑːrtmənt/
Definitions
2 meaningsA division of a large organization such as a business, government, or university, which specializes in a particular area.
/dɪˈpɑːrtmənt/
A section of a larger organization.
The customer service department is very helpful.
💡 Simply: Imagine a big school. The 'department' is like a special team in the school, like the 'science department' or the 'music department.' They each do a different job.
👶 For kids: A department is like a group of people who do one job in a bigger group.
More Examples
She works in the human resources department.
The university has a strong computer science department.
How It's Used
"The marketing department is responsible for promoting the company's products."
"The Department of State handles foreign affairs."
"The English Department is located on the third floor."
A section or area within a store or institution that is dedicated to a specific type of product or service.
/dɪˈpɑːrtmənt/
A specialized area or field.
She works in the cosmetics department.
💡 Simply: Imagine walking into a big store. The 'department' is a special area where they sell a certain kind of things, like a toy department or a clothing department. It is like the place where they do a specific activity.
👶 For kids: A department can also be a part of a store where they sell things.
More Examples
The grocery store has a bakery department.
Can you find the camping department for me, please?
How It's Used
"I need to go to the shoe department to find new sneakers."
"The home goods department has a great selection of furniture."
From French *département*, which comes from the verb *départir* (to divide or separate), ultimately derived from Latin *partire* (to divide). The word's usage in the administrative sense developed during the French Revolution.
The term 'department' gained administrative significance during the French Revolution, referring to subdivisions of the national territory and government.
Memory tip
Think of a 'part' of something big - that's a department. It's a section focused on a specific task.
Word Origin
"To divide or separate"