personnel

noun

per·​son·​nel ˌpər-sə-ˈnel How to pronounce personnel (audio)
Synonyms of personnel
1
a
: a body of persons usually employed (as in a factory or organization)
b
personnel plural : persons
2
: a division of an organization concerned with personnel

Examples of personnel in a Sentence

Women are also underrepresented as police force members, composing less than 13 percent of sworn personnel, despite the proven benefits of having more women in blue, such as less use of excessive force and improved response to domestic violence. Cortney Rock, Ms., Winter 2007
When the staff returned to the Oval Office, Bush's mood was upbeat, according to a White House aide who was present (and who, like all White House personnel quoted in this story, follows a policy of not being quoted by name). Richard Wolffe et al., Newsweek, 19 June 2006
The doorway that sheltered them from the rain leads to government offices now, but in Franco's time the building was a political prison. Its personnel and their diligent labours earned the place a charming nom de guerre—the House of Screams. A. L. Kennedy, On Bullfighting, 1999
The only firm rule is: Armored personnel carriers have the right of way. P. J. O'Rourke, Holidays in Hell, 1988
Over 10,000 military personnel were stationed in the country. They've reduced the number of personnel working on the project. Talk to personnel if you have any questions about your health insurance. She's the director of personnel.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Security is ramping up Amidst the barricades already set up, additional officers, units and tactical personnel are expected around the venue. Bryan West, USA Today, 2 July 2026 She has also been spotted working as a substitute anchor for various personnel, particularly on weekends. Brian Steinberg, Variety, 1 July 2026 Now an unrestricted free agent, Hachimura could draw interest from teams including the San Antonio Spurs and Brooklyn Nets, according to league executives not allowed to discuss personnel matters publicly. Broderick Turner, Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2026 Security personnel swarmed the field during the interruption as Belgium defender Maxim De Cuyper held onto the ball while the scene unfolded. Dan Zaksheske, FOXNews.com, 1 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for personnel

Word History

Etymology

French, from German Personale, Personal, from Medieval Latin personale, from Late Latin, neuter of personalis personal

First Known Use

1814, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of personnel was in 1814

Cite this Entry

“Personnel.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/personnel. Accessed 2 Jul. 2026.

Kids Definition

personnel

noun
per·​son·​nel ˌpərs-ᵊn-ˈel How to pronounce personnel (audio)
: a group of persons employed (as in a public service, a factory, or an office)

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