Clerk: meaning, definitions and examples

Typically used in retail or administrative environments to describe an employee who handles general office tasks. It can also refer to someone working in a store assisting customers or handling transactions.

• The store clerk helped me find the right size.
• As a clerk, Jane manages filing and data entry for the company's records.

Best used to describe someone who supports office operations but might have a broader range of administrative tasks compared to a clerk. They often help multiple departments or individuals.

• Our office assistant is invaluable, handling everything from scheduling meetings to managing office supplies.
• The office assistant coordinated the preparation of all the documents for the meeting.

Often used to refer to someone who provides direct support to an executive or a team, including tasks like managing schedules, handling correspondence, and preparing documents. The term can have a more traditional or formal connotation.

• The CEO's secretary scheduled an urgent meeting for tomorrow.
• Being a secretary involves managing a lot of the director's correspondence and appointments.

Appropriate for describing someone who primarily manages the front desk of an office or business, greeting visitors, answering phones, and handling inquiries.

• The receptionist greeted us warmly as we entered the office.
• As the receptionist, Sarah answers calls and directs them to the appropriate department.

This term is also commonly used in the United States to describe someone who works in a retail environment, handling sales transactions and customer queries.

• The clerk at the bookstore was very knowledgeable.
• I asked the clerk for help finding the right size.

This term typically refers to someone whose main responsibility is selling products or services. It implies a focus on driving sales and meeting targets.

• The salesperson convinced me to buy the latest gadget.
• She works as a salesperson at a car dealership.

Commonly used in the UK, this term describes someone who helps customers in a retail shop, from stocking shelves to handling purchases.

• I asked the shop assistant if they had this dress in a different size.
• The shop assistant was very helpful and friendly.

This term can be used to describe someone who works in various types of stores, performing tasks such as assisting customers, stocking shelves, and maintaining the store's appearance. It is a more general term and can apply to many different retail environments.

• The store attendant helped me find what I was looking for.
• I asked the store attendant for assistance with my purchase.