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 called: human resources. the office or department that interviews, appoints, or keeps records of employees

   2. ( as modifier )

      a personnel officer

Usage

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

No Fire Department personnel were injured in either collision, the spokesperson said.

From Los Angeles Times

Christensen said coaches who participated in the forfeits last year faced repercussions from school district personnel, “but it needed to be done.”

From Los Angeles Times

More than 60 emergency service personnel and 22 vehicles were deployed to the scene.

From BBC

Sixty-two emergency service personnel and 22 vehicles are at the scene, according to the civil protection website.

From BBC

The senator pointed out that members of Congress from both parties routinely tour intelligence facilities and meet with personnel.

From Salon

Related Words

• cadre 
• crew 
• group 
• organization 
• people 
• staff 
• troop 
• work force www.thesaurus.com