clerical

1 of 2

adjective

cler·​i·​cal ˈkler-i-kəl 

ˈkle-ri-

1

: of, relating to, or characteristic of the clergy

2

: of or relating to a clerk

clerically

ˈkler-i-k(ə-)lē 

ˈkle-ri-

adverb

clerical

2 of 2

noun

1

: a member of the clergy

2

: clericalist

3

: clerk

4

clericals plural : clerical garments

Synonyms of clerical

Adjective

• ministerial
• pastoral

Noun

• priest
• preacher
• cleric

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

Adjective

It’s found success among Iranians who aren’t as keen on the clerical government. —Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 1 Apr. 2026

Its seminary is the foremost clerical institution in the world, training students from Lebanon, Iraq and Afghanistan in a wide range of topics, including Shiite jurisprudence, Quranic interpretation and Arabic literature. —Mary Thurlkill, The Conversation, 30 Mar. 2026

Mohammad Bagher Zolghadr will replace Ali Larijani, whose death in Israeli strikes last week was a major blow to the ruling clerical regime. —Charlene Gubash, NBC news, 24 Mar. 2026

Bramzon said Hernandez was never formally added due to clerical mishandlings. —Carlos De Loera, Los Angeles Times, 24 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1605, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing clerical

• clerical collar

Rhymes for clerical

• spherical
• anticlerical
• hemispherical
• chimerical
• hysterical
• numerical

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