secretariat

American  

[sek-ri-tair-ee-uht] / ˌsɛk rɪˈtɛər i ət /

Or secretariate

noun

1. the officials or office entrusted with administrative duties, maintaining records, and overseeing or performing secretarial duties, especially for an international organization.

   the secretariat of the United Nations.

2. a group or department of secretaries.

3. the place where a secretary transacts business, preserves records, etc.

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secretariat British  

/ ˌsɛkrɪˈtɛərɪət /

noun

1. 1. an office responsible for the secretarial, clerical, and administrative affairs of a legislative body, executive council, or international organization

   2. the staff of such an office

   3. the building or rooms in which such an office is housed

2. a body of secretaries

3. a secretary's place of work; office

4. the position of a secretary

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Etymology

Origin of secretariat

1805–15; < French secrétariat < Medieval Latin sēcrētāriātus. See secretary, -ate ³

Example Sentences

The IEA Secretariat will provide further details of how this collective action will be implemented in due course.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 11, 2026

A statement from Mexico’s Secretariat of National Defense confirmed that “complementary information was provided by U.S. authorities within the framework of bilateral coordination and cooperation with the United States.”

From Salon • Feb. 23, 2026

The General Secretariat said 171 teachers and staff members are affected by the Israeli measure.

From Barron's • Jan. 13, 2026

Earlier the Mexican Navy Secretariat said search and rescue operations were under way in co-ordination with the US Coast Guard.

From BBC • Dec. 23, 2025

“If I want to have Secretariat in my group,” he said, “I can get Secretariat.”

From "The Hot Zone" by Richard Preston