Definition

1. Proper noun:
   • A former executive department of the United States government: It was a cabinet-level department responsible for matters related to commerce and labor. It was established in 1903 and existed until 1913, when it was divided into two separate departments.

Usage Examples

• Proper noun:
  • The Department of Commerce and Labor was created during President Theodore Roosevelt's administration.
  • In 1913, Congress passed legislation to split the Department of Commerce and Labor into the Department of Commerce and the Department of Labor.

Advanced Usage

• Historical reference: Used primarily in historical or governmental contexts to refer to this specific former U.S. government entity.
  • The archives from the Department of Commerce and Labor provide valuable insight into early 20th-century economic policy.

Variants and Related Words

• Department of Commerce (n): The U.S. executive department created in 1913, succeeding part of the former Department of Commerce and Labor. It is concerned with promoting economic growth.
• Department of Labor (n): The U.S. executive department created in 1913, succeeding part of the former Department of Commerce and Labor. It is concerned with fostering the welfare of wage earners.
• Commerce and Labor Department: An alternative phrasing for the same historical entity.

Synonyms

• Former U.S. Cabinet department: A general term describing its historical status.
• Commerce and Labor: A shortened, informal reference often used in historical summaries.

Related Phrases

• Split of the Department: A common phrase referring to the 1913 act that divided it.
  • The split of the Department of Commerce and Labor reflected the growing distinction between business and worker interests.

Noun

1. a former executive department of the United States government; created in 1903 and split into two departments in 1913