departed
Americanadjective
-
deceased; dead.
-
gone; past.
noun
adjective
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Inflected Forms
Nouns
Etymology
Origin of departed
Explanation
Something that's departed is gone, or happened in the distant past. An archaeologist might unearth artifacts from a departed era. Anything that's past or long gone is departed, including a person who has died. When your friend talks about her dear, departed Uncle Bob, you know that Uncle Bob is no longer living. The word has been a euphemism for "dead" since at least the 16th century — the traditional wedding service once read "till death us depart," rather than today's "till death do us part."
Vocabulary lists containing departed
The Epic Fail of Arturo Zamora
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Shine On, Luz Véliz!
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Departed Bangor, Maine, at 10:25 a.m. after a pit stop.
From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 12, 2025
But he has only won the award once, for 2007's The Departed.
From BBC • Jan. 23, 2024
Departed generations commune with the living in Sedrick Huckaby’s work, which juxtaposes painting and sculpture.
From Washington Post • Dec. 15, 2022
Speaking of his career, the Academy Award-nominated actor, perhaps best known for starring in Martin Scorsese's "The Departed" and producing HBO's comedy-drama series "Entourage," expressed excitement about his upcoming role in "Father Stu."
From Fox News • Feb. 19, 2022
Before the high souled chief they bent, With circling steps around him went, And then with bitter wailing, they Departed each his several way.
From The Rámáyan of Válmíki, translated into English verse by Griffith, Ralph T. H. (Ralph Thomas Hotchkin)
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
