clerical
KLEH-rih-kuhl
Clerical (adj) means relating to routine office work, such as filing, typing, or record-keeping. Example: “The mistake was just a clerical error in the paperwork.”
adj
1
Relating to routine office work, such as filing, typing, or record-keeping.
"The mistake was just a clerical error in the paperwork."
"She was hired for a clerical position in the accounts department."
2
Relating to the clergy.
"The bishop wore his clerical collar to the meeting."
How to use clerical
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishUsually means "office/paperwork-related" (a clerical error), but can also mean "related to the clergy."
Common pairings
clerical error
clerical work
clerical staff
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like clerical.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Plural
- clericals
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The mistake was just a _____ error in the paperwork.
Etymology
From Late Latin clericalis, from clericus — the same root as both "clerk" and "cleric," which explains the word's two very different modern meanings.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for clerical
See all rhymes for clerical →Frequently asked questions
What does “clerical” mean?
The word “clerical” means relating to routine office work, such as filing, typing, or record-keeping. In plain terms, usually means "office/paperwork-related" (a clerical error), but can also mean "related to the clergy.".
How do you pronounce “clerical”?
“Clerical” is pronounced KLEH-rih-kuhl (/ˈklɛɹɪkəl/ in IPA).
How do you use “clerical” in a sentence?
Here is “clerical” used in a sentence: “The mistake was just a clerical error in the paperwork.”
What is another word for “clerical”?
Words with a similar meaning to “clerical” include black-collar, cleric and pastoral.
What is the opposite of “clerical”?
The opposite of “clerical” — its antonyms — are lay and secular.
What part of speech is “clerical”?
“Clerical” is an adjective.
Where does the word “clerical” come from?
The word “clerical” comes from Late Latin. From Late Latin clericalis, from clericus — the same root as both "clerk" and "cleric," which explains the word's two very different modern meanings.
Is “clerical” a common word?
“Clerical” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
