clerical

1 of 2

adjective

cler·​i·​cal ˈkler-i-kəl How to pronounce clerical (audio)
ˈkle-ri-
1
: of, relating to, or characteristic of the clergy
2
: of or relating to a clerk
clerically adverb

clerical

2 of 2

noun

1
: a member of the clergy
2
3
: clerk
4
clericals plural : clerical garments

Examples of clerical in a Sentence

Adjective She spent the summer doing clerical work for a lawyer. a member of our clerical staff The mistake was due to a clerical error. Noun some of the state's most prominent clericals have spoken out against the measure
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Adjective
The law only allows schools to recognize changes made to birth certificates that were made to correct a clerical error. Jackson Thompson, Fox News, 30 Jan. 2025 The rescue is seeking volunteers to help feed the animals, as well as clean the pens, grounds and equipment; animal handling and basic interaction; general administration and clerical tasks and special events. Snacks and light refreshments will be provided. Regina Elling, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 Jan. 2025 Listen to this article Mayor Brandon Johnson’s latest campaign finance reports suggest ongoing issues with sloppy clerical work as well as fundraising, a troubling sign for the freshman mayor midway into his term. A.d. Quig, Chicago Tribune, 17 Jan. 2025 After taking a clerical job at a small law, Erin discovers that an area gas giant knowingly poisoned a town's water supply, causing devastating health problems hundreds of people. Travis Bean, Forbes, 11 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for clerical 

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1592, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1605, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of clerical was in 1592

Dictionary Entries Near clerical

Cite this Entry

“Clerical.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/clerical. Accessed 4 Feb. 2025.

Kids Definition

clerical

adjective
cler·​i·​cal
ˈkler-i-kəl
1
: of, relating to, or characteristic of the clergy
2
: of or relating to a clerk or office worker
clerically
-i-k(ə-)lē
adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on clerical

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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