WordGarden.iostaff
A2Pronunciation
UK
- /stˈɑːf/
US
- /ˈstæf/
Meanings
Noun
the people who work for an organization or support a leader
a long stick or pole used for support, authority, or ceremony
the set of lines on which musical notes are written
Verb
to provide workers for a job, service, or organization
Beyond the definition
"Staff" most often means the people who work for a business or organization. Think of the friendly faces at your favorite coffee shop or the team keeping a hospital running. You might say, "The hotel staff were very helpful," or "We need to hire more staff for the busy season."
It can also mean a long stick used for walking, support, or as a sign of authority. In music, a staff is the set of five horizontal lines where notes are written. It can also refer to a group of officers who help a commander. So, although the word is usually about workers today, it still carries the older idea of support.
The word "staff" has evolved beautifully over time, carrying multiple meanings that reflect its origins as a symbol of support. Today, its most frequent use is collective, referring to the employees of a business, school, or organization. For example: "The school staff includes teachers and administrators," or "The restaurant was short-staffed, leading to longer wait times." It can even be used as a verb, such as when a manager needs to "staff a new project."
However, staff also retains its physical meaning—a long, sturdy stick used for walking, climbing, or as a symbol of authority. You might picture a shepherd guiding a flock or a hiker navigating a steep trail with a wooden staff. This sense of authority carries over into the military, where "staff officers" assist a commanding officer in planning and administration.
In the world of the arts, a "staff" (also called a stave) refers to the set of five horizontal lines and four spaces where musical notes are written. Historically, the word also described the personal attendants of a royal household. Whether you are discussing a team of professionals, a hiker's aid, or a sheet of music, the word "staff" always brings to mind a sense of structure, assistance, and reliability that stretches back centuries!
Examples
- 1
Hotel hiring
The hotel hired extra staff for the holiday weekend.
- 2
Office team
Our office staff is small, so everyone helps answer the phone.
- 3
Employee
Each staff member has to wear a name badge.
- 4
Organization role
She is on staff at the local newspaper as a photographer.
- Phraseon staff
working as part of an organization
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Employee count
The company grew from a staff of ten to more than a hundred in two years.
- Patterna staff of + number
a group of that many employees
- 6
Workplace meeting
The manager called a staff meeting to explain the new policy.
- 7
Clinic support
Good support staff can make a busy clinic run smoothly.
- 8
Walking stick
He walked with a wooden staff when the trail got steep.
See also
Forms and spellings
5 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- staffnounverb
Forms
- staffing-ing formverbnoun
- staffedpast tenseverbnoun
- staffspluralnounverb
- stavespluralnounverb