Definition

1. Proper noun:
   • The person who holds the secretaryship of the Interior Department: The "Secretary of the Interior" is the title for the head of the United States Department of the Interior, a member of the President's Cabinet.
   • The position of the head of the Department of the Interior: The "Secretary of the Interior" also refers to the office or job title itself, a senior government position responsible for managing and conserving federal lands and natural resources, and overseeing relationships with Indigenous tribes.

Usage Examples

• Proper noun (referring to the person):
  • The Secretary of the Interior announced a new initiative for national park conservation.
  • She met with the Secretary of the Interior to discuss tribal sovereignty issues.
• Proper noun (referring to the position):
  • He was nominated for the role of Secretary of the Interior.
  • The Secretary of the Interior is a Cabinet-level position.

Advanced Usage

• The title is often used with the definite article "the" (e.g., Secretary of the Interior).
• In formal contexts, the title may be abbreviated after first use (e.g., "Secretary Haaland" or "the Secretary").

Variants and Related Words

• Interior Secretary: A common shortened variant with the same meaning.
  • The Interior Secretary will testify before Congress tomorrow.
• Department of the Interior: The federal executive department led by the Secretary of the Interior.
• Secretary: A general title for the head of a major government department.

Synonyms

• Interior Secretary: (Direct variant)
• Cabinet Secretary: (General term indicating their membership in the Cabinet)

Related Phrases

• Secretary of [other department]: The same title structure is used for other U.S. Cabinet heads (e.g., Secretary of State, Secretary of Defense).

Noun

1. the person who holds the secretaryship of the Interior Department
   • President Taylor appointed Thomas Ewing as the first Secretary of the Interior
2. the position of the head of the Department of the Interior
   • the position of Interior Secretary was created in 1849