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

In 2012, China occupied Scarborough Shoal, a traditional Filipino fishing ground inside the Philippines’ EEZ, endangering the lives of Philippine personnel and fishermen in the process. — Jill Goldenziel, Forbes.com, 30 July 2026

The police claimed that some of its personnel had also been injured by protesters. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 29 July 2026

Zaidi wouldn’t comment on specific players or club personnel, only to note that the Sparks cannot grow as constituted. — Los Angeles Times, 29 July 2026

The use of force is allowed under certain conditions, according to the personnel board’s order, including when an inmate could be assaultive or hurt themselves — which led Green to dismiss CDCR’s allegation against the officer. — Corey Schmidt, Sacbee.com, 29 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)