plural clerks
1
: a person whose job is to keep track of records and documents for a business or office
a bank/office clerk
a law clerk [=a person whose job is to assist a judge]
2
: an elected or appointed official whose job is to take care of official papers and business for a court or government
Have the court clerk file your request with the judge.
a city/town clerk [=a person whose job is to record what happens at city or town meetings and to keep special information about the city or town]
3
US
a
: a person who works in a store
He works as a clerk in a local pet store.
a grocery clerk
a sales clerk at a women's clothing store
b
: a person who works at the main desk of a hotel assisting the people who are staying there
a hotel clerk = a desk clerk
clerks; clerked; clerking
US
: to work as a clerk
—usually used of law clerks
After graduating from law school, she clerked for a judge for several years.
Cite this Entry
“Clerk.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/clerk. Accessed 22 Jun. 2026.
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