staffa: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal/Neutral
Quick answer
What does “staffa” mean?
All the people employed by a particular organization.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
All the people employed by a particular organization.
A long stick used for walking or as a symbol of authority; the set of five horizontal lines on which musical notes are written.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In British English, 'staff' commonly refers to all employees, including teachers and academics. In US corporate contexts, 'staff' can be distinguished from 'line' employees, and the singular verb is strongly preferred.
Connotations
Implies a structured, organized group; can sound formal or institutional. In the 'stick' sense, it has archaic, ceremonial, or pastoral connotations.
Frequency
Very high frequency in business, HR, and institutional contexts for the 'personnel' meaning.
Grammar
How to Use “staffa” in a Sentence
staff (something) with (people)be staffed byhave a staff of (number)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “staffa” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The new advice centre will be staffed entirely by volunteers.
- They are struggling to staff the night shift.
American English
- The project is staffed with experts from three divisions.
- We need to staff up before the product launch.
adjective
British English
- She received a staff discount at the university shop.
- It was a confidential staff memo.
American English
- He has a staff position in the Senator's office.
- Access is restricted to staff bathrooms.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Refers to the body of employees, as in 'We need to reduce our staff costs.'
Academic
Refers to academic employees, as in 'Both faculty and administrative staff attended.'
Everyday
Used for groups of workers in places like shops or restaurants, e.g., 'The hotel staff were very helpful.'
Technical
In music, refers to the stave; in mountaineering, a walking staff.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “staffa”
- Using 'staffs' as a plural for people (use 'staff' or 'staff members'). Confusing 'staff' (employees) with 'stuff' (things).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It can be both. In American English, it's usually singular ('The staff is...'). In British English, it's often plural when referring to the group as individuals ('The staff are...').
The plural is 'staff' for the collective group. To refer to individuals, say 'staff members' or 'members of staff'. 'Staffs' is only used to refer to multiple different groups (e.g., 'the staffs of several universities').
They are largely synonymous, but 'personnel' is slightly more formal and bureaucratic. 'Staff' is more common in everyday and business contexts.
Yes. It means 'to provide with staff' or 'to work as a member of staff'. (e.g., 'The office is staffed from 9 to 5.')
All the people employed by a particular organization.
Staffa is usually formal/neutral in register.
Staffa: in British English it is pronounced /stɑːf/, and in American English it is pronounced /stæf/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “skeleton staff”
- “staff of life (bread)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a STick held by the cheAF (chief) of a company – it symbolizes the STAFF (people) who support the leader.
Conceptual Metaphor
AN ORGANIZATION IS A BODY (with staff as its limbs/workers); SUPPORT IS A PROP (a staff holds you up).
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence uses 'staff' correctly?