commissionaire: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, somewhat dated
Quick answer
What does “commissionaire” mean?
A uniformed attendant at the entrance of a hotel, theatre, or office building, responsible for security, receiving visitors, and performing minor services.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A uniformed attendant at the entrance of a hotel, theatre, or office building, responsible for security, receiving visitors, and performing minor services.
Historically, a member of the Corps of Commissionaires, a UK organization founded in 1859 to provide employment for ex-service personnel in security and attendant roles. The term can also refer to a person who holds a commission to act for another, though this usage is now rare.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The word is more commonly used and recognized in British English. In American English, the role exists but is more likely to be called a 'doorman', 'concierge', or 'security guard' depending on the specific duties.
Connotations
In British English, it carries connotations of tradition, reliability, and a certain old-world formality. In American English, it may sound distinctly British or archaic.
Frequency
Low frequency in both varieties, but higher recognition and occasional use in British English, particularly in historical contexts or at traditional establishments.
Grammar
How to Use “commissionaire” in a Sentence
The commissionaire at [LOCATION] + VERB (e.g., saluted, greeted, directed).[PERSON/ENTITY] was met by a commissionaire.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “commissionaire” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The role was commissioned to a former sergeant.
- They commissioned him to manage the entrance.
American English
- The building commissioned a security firm.
- He was commissioned to act as a doorman.
adverb
British English
- He stood commissionaire-like at his post.
- The task was performed commissionairely.
American English
- He acted commissionaire-like, directing guests.
- The job was done in a commissionaire fashion.
adjective
British English
- The commissionaire service was highly regarded.
- He wore a commissionaire-style uniform.
American English
- The commissionaire duties were outlined in the contract.
- It was a commissionaire position at the old theatre.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might be used in the name of a security firm (e.g., 'Commissionaires Group') or in formal corporate histories describing building staff.
Academic
Used in historical or sociological texts discussing service occupations, urban history, or class structures.
Everyday
Very rare. An older speaker might use it to describe a doorman at a traditional hotel or club.
Technical
Not applicable.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “commissionaire”
Strong
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “commissionaire”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “commissionaire”
- Misspelling as 'comissionaire' (single 'm').
- Confusing with 'commissioner' (a person with official authority).
- Using it as a general term for any security personnel.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not exactly. A commissionaire is primarily an entrance attendant and security role, often uniformed. A concierge (especially in hotels) focuses more on guest services, bookings, and recommendations, though duties can overlap.
No, it is considered somewhat dated. The role still exists but is more commonly referred to as a doorman, security officer, or concierge. The term survives in the names of organizations like 'The Corps of Commissionaires' (now 'The Commissionaires').
It comes from French, meaning 'one who holds a commission'. It was adopted into English in the mid-19th century with the founding of the Corps of Commissionaires, which gave ex-soldiers a 'commission' or authority to perform security duties.
No, 'commissionaire' is solely a noun. The related verb is 'to commission' (to give an order or authority for something).
A uniformed attendant at the entrance of a hotel, theatre, or office building, responsible for security, receiving visitors, and performing minor services.
Commissionaire is usually formal, somewhat dated in register.
Commissionaire: in British English it is pronounced /kəˌmɪʃ.əˈneər/, and in American English it is pronounced /kəˌmɪʃ.əˈner/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None specific to this word.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a COMMISSIONed soldier (ex-service) now taking care of the ENTRANCE: COMMISSION-AIRE.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE BUILDING IS A FORTRESS / THE COMMISSIONAIRE IS A SENTRY.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'commissionaire' most appropriately used?