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

The Davies family’s inherited wealth was derived from Ralph K. Davies, who began at Standard Oil of California as a 15-year-old office boy and rose to become the youngest director in the company’s history.

From New York Times • Jun. 22, 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

But her family soon bounced back, her mother becoming a successful interior designer while her father worked his way from office boy to director at a paint company.

From BBC • Oct. 9, 2017

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