Definition

1. Noun (Proper):
   • The position of the head of the Department of Veterans Affairs: This refers to the cabinet-level office and title within the United States government responsible for leading the federal agency that administers benefit programs for veterans and their families.
   • The person who holds the secretaryship of the Department of Veterans Affairs: This refers to the individual appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate to serve as the head of this department.

Examples of Usage

• Noun (Referring to the position):

  • The Secretary of Veterans Affairs is a member of the President's Cabinet.
  • The Secretary of Veterans Affairs oversees a large network of hospitals and benefits offices.

• Noun (Referring to the person):

  • The current Secretary of Veterans Affairs testified before Congress today.
  • The President nominated a new Secretary of Veterans Affairs.

Advanced Usage

• The title is often abbreviated in formal contexts as "the Secretary" when the department is clear from the discussion.
  • The Secretary will issue a new directive on healthcare access.

Variants and Related Words

• VA (Department of Veterans Affairs): The federal department headed by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs.
• Secretary (in this context): A shortened, formal reference to the position or person.
• Cabinet Secretary: A general term for the head of a federal executive department, of which the Secretary of Veterans Affairs is one.

Synonyms

• Department Head (specific to the VA)
• Cabinet Member (when referring to the person in their governmental role)

Related Phrases

• To be appointed as Secretary of Veterans Affairs: The process of being selected and confirmed for the position.
  • She was appointed as Secretary of Veterans Affairs in 2021.
• The Office of the Secretary: The immediate staff and offices supporting the Secretary.

Noun

1. the position of the head of the Department of Veterans Affairs
   • the post of Secretary of Veterans Affairs was created in 1989
2. the person who holds the secretaryship of the Department of Veterans Affairs
   • Bush appointed Edward J. Derwinski as the first Secretary of Veterans Affairs