sheriff

[sher-if]

noun

1. the law-enforcement officer of a county or other civil subdivision of a state.

2. (formerly) an important civil officer in an English shire.

sheriff

/ ˈʃɛrɪf /

noun

1. (in the US) the chief law-enforcement officer in a county: popularly elected, except in Rhode Island

2. (in England and Wales) the chief executive officer of the Crown in a county, having chiefly ceremonial duties

3. (in Scotland) a judge in any of the sheriff courts

4. (in Australia) an administrative officer of the Supreme Court, who enforces judgments and the execution of writs, empanels juries, etc

5. (in New Zealand) an officer of the High Court

Other Word Forms

• sheriffdom noun
• subsheriff noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of sheriff¹

before 1050; Middle English sher ( r ) ef, Old English scīrgerēfa. See shire, reeve ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of sheriff¹

Old English scīrgerēfa, from scīr _shire ¹ + gerēfa _reeve ¹

Example Sentences

A former Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputy pleaded guilty Monday to two federal crimes in connection with his side work for a cryptocurrency magnate who referred to himself as “the Godfather.”

From Los Angeles Times

A sheriff said she had been "nasty, verbally abusive, cruel, vindictive, violent" towards her victims.

From BBC

After spending a month in medical treatment, Maverick fell into the care of Deputy Bryan Hubbard — a Riverside deputy assigned to the sheriff’s Mounted Enforcement Detail.

From Los Angeles Times

Shawna Dawson Beer, who lost her home in northwest Altadena, said the report repeatedly shielded county officials, particularly fire and sheriff’s officials, from any real accountability.

From Los Angeles Times

Breaking format, the TV crew drove to the man’s home with the sheriff and a tactical squad.

From Los Angeles Times