ENGLISH
REFERENCE

clerical

adj.
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈkɫɛɹəkəɫ// UK //klˈɛɹɪkəl// cler·i·cal Informal

adj. relating to office work, such as keeping records, typing, or filing. You use this to describe jobs that involve organizing information and doing paperwork.

adj. relating to the routine administrative tasks of an office, such as record-keeping or filing. Often used to distinguish administrative support roles from professional or managerial ones.


SIMPLE

She is looking for a clerical job in the city.

CONTEXTUAL

The company is hiring a new assistant to help with clerical duties like answering phones and organizing files.

COMPLEX

While the executive makes the final decisions, the clerical staff ensures that every contract is correctly filed and that the daily operations of the office run smoothly.

Origin

From Late Latin clēricālis (“clerical”), from clēricus (“clergyman, priest”).

Usage

Typically used attributively before a noun like 'work', 'error', or 'staff'.

Pitfall

a clerical of the churcha member of the clergyLearners often use the adjective 'clerical' as a noun when referring to religious leaders; 'clerical' describes the role, while 'clergy' refers to the group.

© 2026 English Reference