personnel

[ pur-suh-nel ]

noun

1. a body of persons employed in an organization or place of work.
2. (used with a plural verb) persons:

   All personnel are being given the day off.

3. personnel department.

personnel

/ ˌpɜːsəˈnɛl /

noun

1. the people employed in an organization or for a service or undertaking Compare materiel
2. 1. Also calledhuman resources the office or department that interviews, appoints, or keeps records of employees
   2. ( as modifier )

      a personnel officer

Usage Note

Some usage guides object to the use of personnel as a plural. However, this use is well established and standard in all varieties of speech and writing. The use of personnel with a preceding number is largely restricted to business and government communications: Six personnel were transferred.

Word History and Origins

Origin of personnel¹

1825–35; < French, noun use of personnel (adj.) personal < Late Latin persōnāle, neuter of persōnālis; replacing personal (noun), Anglicized form of French personnel; compare German Personal, variant of Personale, Italian personale. See matériel

Word History and Origins

Origin of personnel¹

C19: from French, ultimately from Late Latin persōnālis personal (adj); see person

Example Sentences

Trump has named Taylor Budowich as a deputy chief of staff in charge of communications and personnel.

From Salon

Stafford, however, instantly recounted the statistical picture going into it, the personnel and coverages former Patriots coach Bill Belichick successfully deployed to neutralize Hall of Fame receiver Calvin Johnson, and key injuries that occurred.

From Los Angeles Times

It's no surprise that he'd rather give a key Cabinet seat to someone he likes to look at, rather than someone who can serve the interests of military personnel.

From Salon

"A Fox & Friends weekend co-host is not qualified to be the Secretary of Defense," said Massachusetts Senator Elizabeth Warren, who leads the Senate military personnel panel.

From BBC

But those personnel decisions aren't automatic.

From BBC

Related Words

• cadre
• crew
• group
• organization
• people
• staff
• troop
• work force