Definition

Noun: 1. Head of a former U.S. executive department: The civilian leader of the United States Department of the Navy, a cabinet-level position that existed as a separate executive department from 1798 until 1947. The role was combined with that of the Secretary of War to create the position of Secretary of Defense.

Usage

The term "navy secretary" is a historical title. It is used to refer specifically to the person who held this office during the period when the U.S. Navy was its own executive department, distinct from the Army.

Examples

• Historical records show that the navy secretary advocated for a larger fleet before World War II.
• In 1947, the position of navy secretary was abolished as a cabinet post when the National Military Establishment (later the Department of Defense) was created.
• The navy secretary reported directly to the President until the department's reorganization.

Advanced Usage

• The term is often used in historical and political contexts discussing the structure of the U.S. government and military.
• It is frequently preceded by the definite article "the" (e.g., navy secretary) or a possessive (e.g., navy secretary).

Variants and Related Words

• Secretary of the Navy: The formal, official title for the position. "Navy secretary" is a common shorthand.
• Secretary of Defense: The modern cabinet official who oversees the Department of Defense, which includes the Department of the Navy.
• Under Secretary of the Navy: A high-ranking official within the department.

Synonyms

• Secretary of the Navy (formal equivalent)

Notes on Different Meanings

• This term refers only to the historical U.S. government position. It is not a generic term for any official in charge of a navy in other countries or contexts. For a generic term, "naval minister" or "admiralty lord" might be used, depending on the nation.

Noun

1. head of a former executive department; combined with the War Secretary to form the Defense Secretary in 1947