office boy

American  

noun

1. a person, traditionally a boy, employed in an office to run errands, do odd jobs, etc.

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office boy British  

noun

1. a former name for office junior

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Etymology

Origin of office boy

First recorded in 1840–50

Example Sentences

Having started work aged 16 as an office boy in Trafford Park, he went on to become a director of a building firm in Salford.

From BBC • Oct. 13, 2024

His parents could not afford to send him to college, but he attended night classes at the University of Chicago while working as a proofreader and office boy for The Chicago Sun-Times.

From New York Times • Jan. 9, 2023

Weiss began his career as an office boy for William Morris in New York, making $12 a week.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 8, 2019

Mr. Hamilton, who had no interest in following his father into the British diplomatic service, entered films at 17 as a studio office boy.

From Washington Post • Apr. 21, 2016

An office boy came along to direct me.

From "Invisible Man" by Ralph Ellison