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.

---

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

---

Etymology

Origin of secretariat

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

Example Sentences

Velasco, a millennial who came of age in the digital era, is among the youngest officials to head the secretariat.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 14, 2026

The group’s secretariat will provide further details of how this collective action will be implemented in due course.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 11, 2026

These purges, analysts say, effectively have transformed the Central Military Commission from a decision-making body into a personal secretariat, cementing Xi as the sole arbiter of military power.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 20, 2026

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 • Jan. 17, 2026

A group of streets formed a zone directed by a chief steward, who was in turn responsible to the secretariat of the local branch of the ANC.

From "Long Walk to Freedom" by Nelson Mandela