Secretary of State
/ˈsɛkrəˌtɛri əv steɪt/
Definitions
- (n.) A senior government official responsible for foreign affairs and diplomacy in many countries, often heading the department of state or foreign ministry.
The Secretary of State met with foreign diplomats to negotiate the treaty.
- (n.) In some U.S. states, an official responsible for overseeing elections, maintaining state records, and business registrations.
The Secretary of State issued the certificate of incorporation for the new company.
Forms
- secretary of state
- secretaries of state
Related terms
See also
Commentary
The term varies by jurisdiction; in the U.S. federal government, it primarily denotes the chief diplomat, whereas in U.S. states it often refers to an official managing elections and public records.
This glossary is for general informational and educational purposes only. Definitions are jurisdiction-agnostic but reflect terminology and concepts primarily drawn from English and American legal traditions. Nothing herein constitutes legal advice or creates a lawyer-client relationship. Users should consult qualified counsel for advice on specific matters or jurisdictions.