commissary

[ kom-uh-ser-ee ]

noun

, plural com·mis·sar·ies.

1. a store that sells food and supplies to the personnel or workers in a military post, mining camp, lumber camp, or the like.
2. a dining room or cafeteria, especially one in a motion-picture studio.
3. a person to whom some responsibility or role is delegated by a superior power; a deputy.
4. (in France) a police official, usually just below the police chief in rank.
5. commissar.

commissary

/ ˈkɒmɪsərɪ; ˌkɒmɪˈsɛərɪəl /

noun

1. a shop supplying food or equipment, as in a military camp
2. army an officer responsible for supplies and food
3. a snack bar or restaurant in a film studio
4. a representative or deputy, esp an official representative of a bishop

Derived Forms

• commissarial, adjective
• ˈcommissaryˌship, noun

Other Words From

• com·mis·sar·i·al [kom-i-, sair, -ee-, uh, l], adjective
• subcom·mis·sari·al adjective
• sub·commis·sary noun plural subcommissaries

Word History and Origins

Origin of commissary¹

1350–1400; Middle English commissarie (< Anglo-French ) < Medieval Latin commissārius, equivalent to Latin commiss ( us ) (past participle of committere to commit ) + -ārius -ary

Word History and Origins

Origin of commissary¹

C14: from Medieval Latin commissārius official in charge, from Latin committere to entrust, commit

Example Sentences

Sixty years ago, the backlot tram tour began as a way, in part, to increase commissary sales as tourists liked the opportunity to dine on the lot.

From Los Angeles Times

“It really has become a sweet spot for us to lean into a season of a thing,” Hoffman says while seated at the commissary on the lot.

From Los Angeles Times

The company also hopes to upgrade the 17 nationwide commissary locations that supply food to its U.S. outlets.

From Salon

If she wanted to avoid that humiliation, Moore could buy extra tampons from the commissary.

From Los Angeles Times

Others were given extra food, money in their commissary accounts, the chance to play videos games and other rewards if they kept silent.

From Seattle Times