committeeman: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, Political
Quick answer
What does “committeeman” mean?
A man who is a member of a committee, often with a specific role or representing a particular area or group.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A man who is a member of a committee, often with a specific role or representing a particular area or group.
A person, often a man, who holds a local political party position, responsible for organizing party activities within a small electoral district (especially in US politics). Historically and traditionally a male-gendered term.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In British English, the term is less common and primarily denotes any male member of a committee. In American English, it has a strong, specific meaning as a local political party officer (e.g., a precinct committeeman).
Connotations
In the UK, the term can sound dated or gender-exclusive. In the US, it carries strong connotations of grassroots political organization and party machinery.
Frequency
Higher frequency in American English due to its specific political role. Very low frequency in contemporary British English, where 'committee member' is standard.
Grammar
How to Use “committeeman” in a Sentence
[The/Our] + [elected/appointed] + committeeman + [verb: represents/oversees] + [constituency/precinct].[He/She] + [served as/was] + committeeman + [for + X years/until 2023].Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Would be replaced by 'committee member' or specific title like 'steering group member'.
Academic
Rare and potentially problematic due to gendered language. 'Committee member' is used.
Everyday
Very rare. Primarily heard in specific US political news or historical contexts.
Technical
Specific to U.S. political science and local governance terminology.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “committeeman”
Strong
Neutral
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “committeeman”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “committeeman”
- Using it as a gender-neutral term. Misspelling as 'comitteeman' or 'commiteeman'. Confusing it with 'chairman' (who leads the committee).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is acceptable primarily in the specific context of U.S. local political party organization, where it is a formal title. In all other general contexts, 'committee member' is the preferred, gender-neutral term.
Historically, 'committeewoman' was used. However, the modern and inclusive practice is to use the gender-neutral 'committee member' for all individuals.
A precinct committeeman (or committeewoman) is a local party official responsible for organizing party activities within a specific voting precinct, including getting out the vote, registering voters, and acting as a liaison between the community and the party.
No. The '-man' suffix is inherently masculine. Using it to refer to a woman or a non-binary person, or to a mixed-gender group, is incorrect and exclusionary. 'Committee member' should be used for gender-neutral reference.
A man who is a member of a committee, often with a specific role or representing a particular area or group.
Committeeman is usually formal, political in register.
Committeeman: in British English it is pronounced /kəˈmɪtiˌmæn/, and in American English it is pronounced /kəˈmɪdiˌmæn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms specific to this word]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: A COMMITtee MAN has COMMITted to serving on the committee.
Conceptual Metaphor
COMMITTEE AS MACHINERY: The committeeman is a 'cog' or 'operator' in the party machine.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the most significant reason 'committeeman' is becoming less common in formal writing?