# secretariat

/ˌsɛkɹɪˈtɛɹiət/ (US) · /sˌɛkɹɪtˈeəɹɪˌæt/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/secretariat
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Senses

### 1. administrative department

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal

the office or department that handles the daily administrative work and records for a large organization.

For teachers: the administrative department of a large organization, such as the UN or a government, responsible for managing records and executive functions.

- The United Nations Secretariat is located in New York City.
- The Secretariat issued a formal statement clarifying the new administrative procedures for international treaty submissions.

Usage: Often used with a definite article when referring to a specific organization's department.

Teaching tip: Learners should distinguish this from a 'secretary' (a person); the secretariat is the entire office or collective staff.

### 2. office of a secretary

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal

the specific office or position of a government secretary.

For teachers: the office, position, or department of a government secretary or high-ranking official.

- He was appointed to the secretariat of the interior last year.
- During the reorganization, the secretariat of state was granted additional oversight regarding foreign trade agreements.

### 3. religious administration

noun · CEFR C2 · Formal · Technical

a specific administrative department within the Roman Catholic Church.

For teachers: a specific type of administrative department or dicastery within the Roman Curia of the Catholic Church.

- The Secretariat of State is the oldest department in the Roman Curia.
- The Pope met with officials from the Secretariat to discuss the diplomatic mission to the region.

Teaching tip: This is a highly specialized term used almost exclusively in the context of Vatican administration.

## Examples

- The secretariat manages all the official documents.
- The international committee relies on its permanent secretariat to organize meetings and distribute reports to member states.
- While the political leaders set the agenda, the secretariat ensures the continuity of the organization by maintaining archives and coordinating logistical support across multiple continents.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.