noun

sheriff

sheriff, high sheriff

The sheriff is the chief law officer of a county.

The sheriff is the chief law officer of a county.

The town elected a new sheriff last year.

The town elected a new sheriff last year.

((a/the)) sheriff the chief law enforcement officer in a county The sheriff arrested the suspect.

Synonyms: lawman, county police chief

From Old English 'scirgerefa', from 'scir' (shire, county) + 'gerefa' (reeve, high official).

Think of a lawman in a Western movie with a star-shaped badge. The word comes from 'shire reeve'.

This page is designed for learning support. Please use it as a learning reference, not as a formal reference.