ENGLISH
REFERENCE

commissioner

n. countable
C1 Advanced Oxford US //kəˈmɪʃənɝ// UK //kəmˈɪʃənɐ// com·mis·sion·er

n. an important official who is in charge of a government department or a professional sports league. This person usually has the power to make big decisions and enforce rules.

n. a high-ranking official appointed to oversee a specific government commission, public service department, or professional sports organization. Often carries executive or regulatory authority within a defined jurisdiction.


SIMPLE

The police commissioner promised to reduce crime in the city.

CONTEXTUAL

The league commissioner suspended the player for three games following a violation of the conduct policy.

COMPLEX

After the scandal, the government appointed an independent commissioner to investigate the department's hiring practices and ensure future transparency.

Origin

From Middle English commissioner, from Anglo-Norman commissionaire, from Medieval Latin commissiōnārius. Doublet of commissionaire. See commission.

Usage

Often used as a title before a surname, such as Commissioner Gordon.

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