1. an elected law enforcement officer who is the chief police official of a county
Usage: primarily U.S.
2. a British official who represents the Crown in a county and has ceremonial and some legal duties
Usage: British

Examples

• The sheriff arrested the suspect after a brief chase.
• She was elected sheriff of the county last November.
• The sheriff’s department responded to the emergency call.
• Deputies work under the authority of the sheriff.
• The sheriff served the court papers to the defendant.
• In England, the sheriff presided over the ceremonial event.
• The sheriff’s office is located in the county courthouse.