Meaning & Definition of word "Clerk"

Clerk

/klɜːrk/

noun:

  • 1. A person employed in an office or other professional environment to manage records, files, and correspondence.
    • Example: The clerk at the front desk helped me check into the hotel.
  • 2. A person who keeps records or accounts, especially in a church or government office.
    • Example: The church clerk recorded the details of the last service.
  • 3. A sales clerk is someone who works in retail, assisting customers with their purchases.
    • Example: The sales clerk helped me find the perfect dress for the occasion.
  • 4. A person who performs administrative duties in legal or legislative settings, such as taking minutes or managing documents.
    • Example: The clerk of the court filed the necessary paperwork for the trial.

Etymology

From Middle English 'clerk', from Old English 'clerc', from Latin 'clericus' meaning 'clergyman'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

clerk of court:

An official responsible for maintaining the records of a court.

sales clerk:

A person who assists customers in a store.

file clerk:

A worker who organizes and maintains paper or electronic files.

Related Words

office worker:

An employee who works in an office environment.

administrative assistant:

A person who provides support to managers and other employees.

receptionist:

A person who greets visitors and answers phone calls in an office.

Slang Meanings of clerk

Meaning: desk jockey

Example Sentence: He's just a desk jockey, always sitting behind a computer.

Meaning: paper pusher

Example Sentence: Don't be such a paper pusher, go outside for a while!