noun
Common
commissioner
kuh-MIH-shuh-nuh
Commissioner (noun) means a member of a commission, or an official put in charge of a government department or agency. Example: “The police commissioner announced new safety measures for the city.”
noun
1
A member of a commission, or an official put in charge of a government department or agency.
"The police commissioner announced new safety measures for the city."
"She was appointed as a commissioner on the trade board."
"The commissioner for the new agency met reporters outside the office."
How to use commissioner
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSomeone who serves on an official commission or heads a government department or agency.
Common pairings
police commissioner
tax commissioner
league commissioner
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Word forms
- Plural
- commissioners
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The police _____ announced new safety measures for the city.
Etymology
From Anglo-Norman commissionaire, from Medieval Latin commissionarius, ultimately from Latin commissio — a doublet of "commissionaire."
Related words
Rhymes for commissioner
See all rhymes for commissioner →Frequently asked questions
What does “commissioner” mean?
The word “commissioner” means a member of a commission, or an official put in charge of a government department or agency. In plain terms, someone who serves on an official commission or heads a government department or agency.
How do you pronounce “commissioner”?
“Commissioner” is pronounced kuh-MIH-shuh-nuh (/kəˈmɪ.ʃə.nəɹ/ in IPA).
How do you use “commissioner” in a sentence?
Here is “commissioner” used in a sentence: “The police commissioner announced new safety measures for the city.”
What part of speech is “commissioner”?
“Commissioner” is a noun.
Where does the word “commissioner” come from?
The word “commissioner” comes from Medieval Latin. From Anglo-Norman commissionaire, from Medieval Latin commissionarius, ultimately from Latin commissio — a doublet of "commissionaire.".
Is “commissioner” a common word?
“Commissioner” is a fairly common word in modern English.
What does a commissioner do?
A commissioner holds authority over a particular body, department, or area of public life. Duties vary by role, but typically involve overseeing policy, making decisions, and answering for how an agency is run. Examples include a police commissioner directing a force or a sports commissioner governing a league and enforcing its rules.
What is the difference between a commission and a commissioner?
A commission is the body or committee itself, a group appointed to oversee or investigate something. A commissioner is a person: either a member of that commission or an official placed in charge of a department or agency. In short, the commission is the organisation, and the commissioner is an individual within or leading it.
What are some types of commissioners?
The title is used across government and public life. There are police commissioners overseeing law enforcement, European Commissioners heading EU policy areas, high commissioners serving as diplomats between Commonwealth countries, and sports commissioners running major leagues. In each case the person carries responsibility for a defined organisation, region, or field.
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