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

According to the lawsuit, the address on the federal and state tax returns is a diplomatic post office that allowed Foreign Service personnel to send and receive mail when stationed abroad. — Dejanay Booth-Singleton, CBS News, 16 Sep. 2026

Research published in Nurse Leader shows assaults on nursing personnel rose from just over 14,000 in 2019 to nearly 24,000 in 2023. — Jason Fass, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2026

One priority for defensive coordinator Vance Joseph will be figuring out how to handle the heavier personnel looks teams appear primed to throw at Denver more frequently this season. — Nick Kosmider, New York Times, 16 Sep. 2026

Sheriff’s officials said drivers should avoid the area, expect significant delays and allow emergency personnel enough space to work safely. — Rosalio Ahumada, Sacbee.com, 16 Sep. 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)