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staff

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noun British English pronunciation: staff /stɑːf/ 
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singularstaff
pluralstaffs
Other entries for this word
  1. 1
    [singular/uncountable] the people who work for a particular company, organization, or institution: can be followed by a singular or plural verb

    It is a small hospital with a staff of just over a hundred.

    The staff are not happy about the new arrangement.

    full-time/part-time staff:

    The embassy employs around 50 people on its full-time staff.

    join the staff:

    She joined the staff in 1996.

    a member of staff:

    Peter became a very valued member of staff.

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of staff
    1. a.
      the ordinary workers, not the managers: can be followed by a singular or plural verb

      We need better communication between management and staff.

      Thesaurus entry for this meaning of staff
    2. b.
      the people who do paid work in a place, rather than the other people there: can be followed by a singular or plural verb

      Staff and residents enjoyed the show.

      recreational facilities for students and staff

      Thesaurus entry for this meaning of staff
    3. c.
      [only before noun] relating to the staff

      a staff restaurant/canteen

      a staff shortage:

      They blame staff shortages for the delay.

      Thesaurus entry for this meaning of staff

This is the British English definition of staff. View American English definition of staff.

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