Staff

Definition

The term "staff" refers to a group of employees working for an organization or a long stick used for support, walking, or as a symbol of authority.

Parts of Speech

• Noun
• Verb

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /stæf/
• Respelling: STAF

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /stɑːf/
• Respelling: STAHF

Etymology

The word "staff" originates from Old English "stæf," meaning "stick" or "rod," and is related to Proto-Germanic "*stabaz," meaning "post" or "support." The modern sense of a group of workers developed in the late Middle Ages, influenced by the idea of individuals supporting a central authority.

Derivatives

• Staffed (adjective/verb)
• Staffing (noun/verb)
• Overstaff (verb)
• Understaff (verb)
• Staffer (noun)

Synonyms

• Employees
• Personnel
• Crew

Antonyms

• None

Usage

The term "staff" is widely used to describe workers in an organization ("The hospital staff includes nurses and doctors") or a symbolic or practical stick ("The hiker carried a sturdy staff").

Related Terms

• Team: A group working together.
• Management: Supervisory employees within an organization.
• Rod: A thin straight bar, often used as a walking stick.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• A group of employees working together in an organization:
  • Example: "The university's administrative staff is very efficient."
• A stick or rod used for support or authority:
  • Example: "The shepherd leaned on his staff."
• A set of lines and spaces used in musical notation:
  • Example: "The notes are written on a five-line staff."

Verb

• To provide an organization or location with employees:
  • Example: "The company plans to staff its new office with local hires."
• To work for an organization as an employee:
  • Example: "Volunteers staff the information desk during events."