What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
department
Example
The marketing department is responsible for promoting the company's products. [department: noun]
Example
She is a professor in the history department at the university. [department: noun]
Example
The shoe department is on the second floor of the department store. [department: noun]
division
Example
The sales division is responsible for generating revenue for the company. [division: noun]
Example
The team made it to the playoffs in the Eastern Division. [division: noun]
Example
To solve the problem, you need to perform long division. [division: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Department is more commonly used than division in everyday language, especially in business and academic settings.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between department and division?
Department is generally considered more formal than division, although both can be used in formal and informal contexts depending on the situation.