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

China on Friday proposed to host the secretariat of a new treaty governing the high seas, a surprise bid that underscores Beijing's desire to have greater influence over global environmental governance.

From Barron's

The secretariat returned the payment to the company after the connection to the Israeli government was verified, the report added.

From BBC

The Sonora state public security secretariat said it had ruled out the possibility it was an attack or act of deliberate violence against civilians.

From BBC

Provincial officials at the culture secretariat have rejected the allegations, blaming financial pressures for being "unable to provide support".

From BBC

The government refused, claiming that they did not “hold” the material because it had been gathered by a separate “secretariat” working for Mr Hamilton.

From BBC