commissary

noun

com·​mis·​sary ˈkä-mə-ˌser-ē 

-ˌse-rē

plural commissaries

1

: one delegated by a superior to execute a duty or an office

2

a

: a store for equipment and provisions

especially : a supermarket for military personnel

b

: food supplies

c

: a lunchroom especially in a motion-picture studio

commissarial

ˌkä-mə-ˈsär-ē-əl 

-ˈser-

adjective

Synonyms

• agent
• assignee
• attorney
• delegate
• deputy
• envoy
• factor
• minister
• procurator
• proxy
• rep
• representative

Examples of commissary in a Sentence

will serve as commissary of religious education for the whole diocese

Recent Examples on the Web

The company offers productivity and attendance bonuses, low-cost meals, and a commissary where employees can purchase household items. —Rick Barrett, Journal Sentinel, 15 May 2024

After hours, the 1,100-square-foot space will double as the butchery and pasta commissary kitchen for all Crown Restaurant Group restaurants, both of which Young will oversee. —Haadiza Ogwude, The Enquirer, 7 May 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English commissarie, borrowed from Anglo-French commissaire, commissarie, borrowed from Medieval Latin commissārius, from Latin commissus (past participle of committere "to join together, engage, place in the keeping of, entrust, bring about") + -ārius -ary entry 1 — more at commit

First Known Use

1555, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

commissary

noun

com·​mis·​sary ˈkäm-ə-ˌser-ē 

plural commissaries

1

: a person to whom a duty or office is entrusted by someone of higher rank

2

: a store that provides supplies (as food) especially to members of the military and their families