abbreviation
PD
pee-DEE
PD (abbreviation) means Police department, the law-enforcement body of a city or town, usually written after the place name. Example: “NYPD stands for New York City Police Department.”
abbreviation
1
Police department, the law-enforcement body of a city or town, usually written after the place name.
"NYPD stands for New York City Police Department."
"The local PD is handling the investigation."
2
medical Parkinson's disease, a progressive neurological disorder that affects movement.
"He was diagnosed with PD in his early sixties."
3
technical Pupillary distance, the measurement in millimetres between the centres of the pupils, needed to make up a pair of glasses.
"You will need your PD before ordering lenses online."
How to use PD
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishShort for something like police department, Parkinson's disease or pupillary distance, depending on the subject.
When to use it
Informal shorthand; spell it out on first use in formal writing.
Common pairings
local PD
PD diagnosis
measure your PD
per diem (PD)
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like PD.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The local _____ is handling the investigation.
Etymology
An initialism, standing for different phrases depending on context.
Frequently asked questions
What does PD stand for in a police context?
Police Department. It normally follows the place name, as in LAPD (Los Angeles Police Department) or Chicago PD.
What does PD mean on a glasses prescription?
Pupillary distance — the gap in millimetres between the centres of your two pupils. Lens makers use it to line up the optical centre of each lens with your eye.
What does PD mean in a job listing?
It usually means 'per diem', a daily allowance or a shift worked on a day-by-day basis rather than a fixed contract. In education and HR it can also mean 'professional development'.
What is the meaning of PD?
"PD" (abbreviation) means police department, the law-enforcement body of a city or town, usually written after the place name.
