Secretary

/ˈsɛkrəˌtɛri/

Meaning & Definition

noun
A person employed to handle correspondence, keep records, and manage routines in an office.
The secretary scheduled all the meetings for the executive team.
An official who assists an organization by maintaining records and managing communications.
The secretary of state gave a speech about the new policy changes.
A person who records the minutes of meetings and maintains official documents.
As the secretary of the board, she was responsible for taking accurate minutes.
A staff member in a school or organization who manages administrative tasks.
The school secretary helped parents with enrollment questions.
A person who takes notes and transcribes them into written documents.
She worked as a secretary, typing up all the reports for her boss.

Etymology

From Latin 'secretarius', meaning 'one entrusted with secrets'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

executive secretary
A secretary who has higher responsibilities and often assists executives.
personal secretary
A secretary who provides personal assistance to an individual.

Related Words

office manager
A person responsible for organizing and coordinating office operations.
administrative assistant
A person who performs organizational and managerial tasks in an office.

Slang Meanings

Admin
The admin really helped us sort out the scheduling.
Sec
Can you ask the sec to send out the invites?