personnel

noun

per·​son·​nel ˌpər-sə-ˈnel 

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

Synonyms of personnel

• staff
• manpower
• workforce

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

Her contracts covered coaching and mentoring for CMS human resources personnel and recommendations for HR improvements. — Josh Bergeron, Charlotte Observer, 23 July 2026

Coaches and personnel staffers spoke on the condition of anonymity to offer their honest opinions on the players. — Antonio Morales, New York Times, 22 July 2026

The deposed dictator smiled, greeted court personnel, and shook hands with lawyers after entering the courtroom, according to the Associated Press. — Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 22 July 2026

Delhi Police said that around 180 people were injured amid the Monday clashes, including 118 security personnel and 60 protesters. — Connor Greene, Time, 22 July 2026

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

Phrases Containing personnel

• personnel carrier

Rhymes for personnel

• bagatelle
• calomel
• caravel
• carousel
• carrousel
• citadel
• clientele
• commonweal
• coronel
• decibel
• demoiselle
• fontanelle

Kids Definition

personnel

noun

per·​son·​nel ˌpərs-ᵊn-ˈel 

: a group of persons employed (as in a public service, a factory, or an office)