A department is a part of a larger organization with a specific responsibility. For the division of organizations into departments, see departmentalization.

In particular:

• A government department in Australia, Canada, Switzerland and the United States, corresponds to a ministry in other systems:
  • Department (Australian government)
  • Department (Swiss government)
  • Department (US government)

• Department (country subdivision)- a geographical and administrative division within a country.
• Part of an institution such as a commercial company (see departmentalization) or a non-profit organization such as a university.
  • Academic department

• A department store is a retail store that includes many specialized departments such as clothing or household items.

• Part of a state or municipal government:
  • Fire department
  • Police department

• In the US military:
  • "Department" is a term used by the U.S. Army, mostly prior to World War I.
  • A naval Department is a section devoted to one of several major tasks.

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