sheriff

noun

sher·​iff ˈsher-əf 

: an important official of a shire or county charged primarily with judicial duties (such as executing the processes and orders of courts and judges)

sheriffdom

ˈsher-əf-dəm 

-təm

noun

Examples of sheriff in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

However, 13 Colorado police departments and sheriff’s offices that killed one person in 2023 have reported zero shootings so far this year. —Lauren Penington, The Denver Post, 11 Nov. 2024

The victim was identified as Adrian Puga, of Salinas, according to the sheriff’s office. —Bay City News Service, The Mercury News, 11 Nov. 2024

The incident is under investigation by the sheriff’s office and no further information will be released at this time, Fall said. —Matt Henson, Twin Cities, 9 Nov. 2024

Waters said the sheriff's office has received threats against one of two Black officers seen on social media video. —Dennis Romero, NBC News, 5 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English shirreve, from Old English scīrgerēfa, from scīr shire + gerēfa reeve — more at shire, reeve

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

sheriff

noun

sher·​iff ˈsher-əf 

: an official of a county who is in charge of enforcing the law

Etymology

Middle English shirreve "sheriff," from Old English scīrgerēfa "sheriff," from scīr "shire, county" and gerēfa "a government agent"

Legal Definition

sheriff

noun

sher·​iff

: an official of a county or parish charged primarily with judicial duties (as executing the processes and orders of courts and judges)

Etymology

Old English scīrgerēfa, from scīr shire + gerēfa reeve (king's agent)