Ministry/ˈmɪnɪstri/ Definition 1 of 4Pro Tip 1/3National Role Refers to a high-level governmental body, not local or regional entities. The Ministry of Finance sets the national budget. Pro Tip 2/3Specific Functions Focusses on specialized government responsibilities related to its name. The Ministry of Transport oversees highway construction. Pro Tip 3/3Not a Synonym Don't confuse 'ministry' with 'minister'; the former is the department, the latter is a person. She works at the ministry; her boss is the minister.