sheriff

noun

sher·​iff ˈsher-əf How to pronounce sheriff (audio)
Synonyms of sheriffnext
: 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 How to pronounce sheriff (audio)
-təm
noun

Examples of sheriff in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Carroll is from Barry, Texas, according to the sheriff's department. — Brie Stimson, FOXNews.com, 2 Aug. 2026 The sheriff's office requested photos or videos that may show the child on a raft or boat with other children before the incident, as well as anyone who may have witnessed the child before she was pulled from the water. — Richard Ramos, CBS News, 1 Aug. 2026 Furman was reported missing early last November, said Lake County sheriff’s Deputy Chief Christopher Covelli. — Barbara Vitello, Chicago Tribune, 1 Aug. 2026 As the investigation continued, detectives learned that Aikebaer and Zhengfeng knew each other through a prior working relationship, according to the sheriff’s department. — Angelique Brenes, PEOPLE, 1 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for sheriff

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of sheriff was before the 12th century

Rhymes for sheriff

See All Rhymes for sheriff

Browse Nearby Words

sherifa
sheriff
sheriff's court
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Sheriff.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sheriff. Accessed 9 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

sheriff

noun
sher·​iff ˈsher-əf How to pronounce sheriff (audio)
: 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)

More from Merriam-Webster on sheriff

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for sheriff

Nglish: Translation of sheriff for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about sheriff

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