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

He was fired by the sheriff’s office following the shooting. —Brenton Blanchet, People.com, 7 Dec. 2024

Sampson's arrest is not related to the deaths of two Hamilton County Justice Center inmates in late November, the sheriff's office confirmed. —Bebe Hodges, The Enquirer, 6 Dec. 2024

The sheriff's office identified the victims as 6-year-old Roman Mendez and 5-year-old Elias Wolford. —Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 6 Dec. 2024

The outlet uncovered dozens of law enforcement leaders — sheriffs, captains, lieutenants, chiefs of police — buying and illegally selling firearms, including weapons of war, across 23 U.S. states, Puerto Rico, and Washington, D.C. —Demicia Inman, VIBE.com, 5 Dec. 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)