manpower

[ man-pou-er ]

noun

1. power in terms of people available or required for work or military service:

   the manpower of a country.

manpower

/ ˈmænˌpaʊə /

noun

1. power supplied by men
2. a unit of power based on the rate at which a man can work; approximately 75 watts
3. the number of people available or required to perform a particular function

   the manpower of a battalion

Usage

Gender-neutral form: personnel, staff

Word History and Origins

Origin of manpower¹

First recorded in 1860–65; man + power

Example Sentences

Even if not numerically significant, any infusion of manpower can count at a time when both sides are suffering attrition and scrambling to find recruits.

From Los Angeles Times

Ukraine's military has been under severe pressure of late, in part due to Russia's greater manpower and deeper resources.

From BBC

The move may show that Moscow’s shortage of manpower amid exorbitant casualties is worse “than most people realize,” Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III said.

From Los Angeles Times

However, the arrivals have also underlined a major potential source of manpower for an economy which faces stiff demographic challenges.

From BBC

“They have the manpower and logistical capabilities to get this vital job done, and fast.”

From Los Angeles Times