sheriff
word
/ˈʃɛɹəf/, /ˈʃɛɹɪf/
SHE-ruhf, SHE-rif
/ʃˈɛɹɪf/
SHE-rif
Definition
A sheriff is an elected or appointed official responsible for enforcing the law, usually in a county or region, especially in the United States. In some countries, it may have slightly different duties.
Usage & Nuances
Mainly used in American English for local law enforcement heads in rural areas. Not a police officer, but can have police deputies ('deputy sheriff'). Also appears in Western movies and historical contexts.
Spanish: alguacilPortuguese (BR): xerifePortuguese (PT): xerifeChinese (Simplified): 治安官Chinese (Traditional): 治安官Hindi: शेरिफ़Arabic: شريفBengali: শেরিফRussian: шерифJapanese: 保安官Vietnamese: cảnh sát trưởngKorean: 보안관Turkish: şerifUrdu: شیرفIndonesian: sheriff
Example Sentences
People in the town trust the sheriff.
basic
The sheriff wears a badge on his shirt.
basic
The sheriff arrested the thief.
basic
The new sheriff is trying to clean up this county.
natural
If you see anything suspicious, call the sheriff's office.
natural
He dressed up as a sheriff for the costume party last night.
natural