Definition

1. Noun:
   • The position of the head of the Department of Health and Human Services: This refers to the cabinet-level office and title within the United States government, responsible for leading the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
   • The person who holds the secretaryship of the Department of Health and Human Services: This refers to the individual appointed to serve in that high-ranking government position.

Examples of Usage

• Noun (Position):
  • The president nominated a new candidate for the role of Secretary of Health and Human Services.
  • The Secretary of Health and Human Services is a member of the President's Cabinet.
• Noun (Person):
  • The Secretary of Health and Human Services held a press conference on the new public health initiative.
  • She served as the Secretary of Health and Human Services from 2021 to 2025.

Advanced Usage

• The title is often abbreviated in formal contexts as HHS Secretary.
  • The HHS Secretary testified before Congress today.

Variants and Related Words

• Secretary (noun): A title for a high-ranking official in charge of a major government department.
• Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) (proper noun): The U.S. federal executive department responsible for protecting the health of Americans and providing essential human services.

Synonyms

• HHS Secretary (noun): The abbreviated title for the same position or person.
• Cabinet Secretary (noun): A general term for any head of a major executive department, which includes this role.

Noun

1. the position of the head of the Department of Health and Human Services
   • the post of Secretary of Health and Human Services was created by Congress in 1979
2. the person who holds the secretaryship of the Department of Health and Human Services
   • the first Secretary of Health and Human Services was Patricia Roberts Harris who was appointed by Carter