Definition and meaning of sheriff: Sheriff is an elected official in many states in the United States. Their primary role is to maintain law and order in their jurisdiction. The sheriff is the highest law enforcement officer in the county and is responsible for upholding the law, managing the county jail, and providing court security. In some counties, the sheriff is also responsible for collecting taxes and issuing marriage licenses. The office of sheriff is an important part of the two-party system in the United States, as they are usually elected on a party-line basis. However, it is becoming more common for independent candidates to run for sheriff, advocating for more diverse approaches to criminal justice and law enforcement. This movement is challenging the two-party system and allowing for more independent voices in local politics.