staff

B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun

n. a long, strong stick used to help you walk or as a weapon.

n. a long, sturdy rod or pole used as an aid for walking, a weapon, or a support.

日本語:杖※

“The old hiker leaned on his wooden staff as he climbed the steep hill.”

“The wizard is often depicted holding a gnarled wooden staff that serves as both a walking aid and a focus for his power.”

B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun Music

n. the set of five horizontal lines that musical notes are written on.

n. the set of five horizontal lines and four spaces that each represent a different musical pitch.

“The composer wrote the violin melody clearly on the musical staff.”

“In modern musical notation, the treble clef is placed at the beginning of the staff to indicate the pitch of the notes following it.”

C1 · Advanced Uncountable noun Military Formal

n. a group of officers who help a commander plan and lead an army.

n. a group of officers assisting a commanding officer in administration, planning, and logistics.

“The general met with his staff to discuss the battle plan.”

“The chief of staff coordinated between the various departments to ensure the logistics of the operation were flawless.”

C2 · Proficiency Countable noun Literary · Formal

n. a decorated pole or wand held by an official to show their power.

n. a pole or wand carried as an emblem of authority or office.

“The official carried a silver staff during the royal ceremony.”

“The ceremonial staff was passed from the outgoing dean to her successor as a symbol of the transfer of academic authority.”

B2 · Upper Intermediate

v. to provide a place or an event with the people needed to work there.

v. to provide an organisation, office, or event with a workforce.

“We need to staff the information desk for the entire weekend.”

“The charity struggled to staff the helpline during the holiday period when most regular volunteers were away.”