staff
Translation
staff, personnel, stick, stave
Examples
The company has over 100 staff.
The company has over 100 staff.
He used a long staff to help him walk.
He used a long staff to help him walk.
The notes are written on a musical staff.
The notes are written on a musical staff.
Grammar Patterns
((a group of people)) a group of employees The staff are very helpful.
((a long stick)) a stick used for walking or as a weapon The wizard held a wooden staff.
Similar Words
Synonyms: personnel, workforce, employees (people); rod, pole, cane (stick)
Etymology
From Old English 'stæf' meaning 'stick, pole'. The sense of a body of officials came from the staff as a symbol of office.
Memory Tips
Imagine a manager holding a staff (stick) while addressing their staff (employees) to remember the two main meanings.