plural staffs or staves
ˈsteɪvz 
1
plural staffs
a
: a group of people who work for an organization or business
The entire staff has done a great job this year.
The staff is at a meeting.
a teaching/sales/editorial/coaching/pitching staff
the hospital/library/kitchen staff
The department has a staff of 40 (people).
She's a new member of the staff.
He has been on the staff [=a member of the staff] for 25 years.
(US) There are 100 people on staff. [=working as members of the staff]
(Brit) She's a new member of staff.
a staff member/director/writer/meeting
b
: a group of military officers who help a commanding officer but who do not take part in active fighting
The general's staff is planning the army's next move.
Usage Discussion of staff
Staff may be used as a plural noun to mean the members of a staff.
The company employs 20 full-time staff.
The staff are at a meeting.
2
plural staves
a
old-fashioned
: a long stick that you carry in your hand for support while walking
b
: a long stick that is carried as a symbol of authority
a bishop's staff
3
plural staves, music
: the five horizontal lines and the spaces between them on which music is written
called also stave
staffs; staffed; staffing
1
: to supply (an organization or business) with workers
We'll need 300 workers to properly staff the hotel.
—often used as (be) staffedThe department is staffed with an equal number of men and women.
The office is fully staffed.
2
: to work for (an organization or business) as a member of a staff
the 300 workers who staff the hotel
—often used as (be) staffedThe organization is staffed by volunteers.
Cite this Entry
“Staff.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/staff. Accessed 6 May. 2026.
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