VocabDictionary

staff

/stษ‘หf/beginner Level

English Meaning & Definitions

1.noun

The group of people employed by a company, organization, or institution.

Example Sentences:
  • โ€œThe hotel staff was incredibly helpful during our stay.โ€
  • โ€œThe university is looking to hire additional teaching staff for the fall semester.โ€
2.noun

A long stick or pole used as a support, a weapon, or a symbol of authority.

Example Sentences:
  • โ€œThe wizard leaned heavily on his gnarled wooden staff.โ€
  • โ€œThe shepherd carried a staff to guide his flock.โ€
3.verb

To provide an organization or project with employees.

Example Sentences:
  • โ€œWe need to staff the help desk during the weekend shift.โ€
  • โ€œThe clinic is fully staffed with experienced medical professionals.โ€
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English Synonyms & Near Equivalents

English Antonyms & Opposites

Comprehensive Thesaurus Breakdown

Compare formal, informal, literary synonyms and register nuances for โ€œstaffโ€.

Thesaurus Entry
Cultural Origin & Etymology

Derived from the Old English 'stรฆf', meaning a stick, pole, or rod. Historically, it referred to a walking stick used for support or as a symbol of authority. By the 16th century, the meaning expanded to denote a body of assistants or employees, metaphorically viewed as the 'support' or 'backbone' of an organization.

Memory Aid & Mnemonic

Think of a 'staff' as the 'support' that keeps a company standing upright, just like a walking stick supports a person.

Rhyming Words

Frequently Asked Questions About โ€œstaffโ€

1. What is the meaning of โ€œstaffโ€ in English?

In English, staff (noun) is defined as: โ€œThe group of people employed by a company, organization, or institution.โ€.

2. How do you use โ€œstaffโ€ in a sentence?

โ€œThe hotel staff was incredibly helpful during our stay.โ€

3. What are English synonyms of โ€œstaffโ€?

Common synonyms include:personnel,employees,workforce,crew

4. What is the etymology and word origin of โ€œstaffโ€?

Derived from the Old English 'stรฆf', meaning a stick, pole, or rod. Historically, it referred to a walking stick used for support or as a symbol of authority. By the 16th century, the meaning expanded to denote a body of assistants or employees, metaphorically viewed as the 'support' or 'backbone' of an organization.