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.
Cofer and other progressive groups are concerned that the contract’s language does not explicitly bar the Sheriff’s Office from cooperating with ICE, despite the sheriff’s statements that the agreement would not involve immigration enforcement. — Jennah Pendleton, Sacbee.com, 23 Oct. 2026 Henderson had retired from the sheriff’s office about five months before the crash and was working as a special deputy directing traffic near the University of Cincinnati during graduation. — Minyvonne Burke, NBC news, 23 Oct. 2026 Investigating the shoot-out is the third-generation sheriff Ed Tom Bell (Tommy Lee Jones), who realizes Moss is in danger and tries to track him down. — Frannie Comstock, Encyclopedia Britannica, 23 Oct. 2026 And anytime there is a new financial sheriff in town, the speculation centered on what his plans are for changes and whether more conservative guidance would be ahead. — Vicki M. Young, Footwear News, 23 Oct. 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 27 Oct. 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

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about sheriff

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