online vocabulary.com

Commissary - Meaning, Definition & English Examples

A commissary is a store or cafeteria, often found in military bases, prisons, or workplaces, where food and supplies are sold to employees or residents at reduced prices.

commissary

/ˈkɑːməˌseri/ /ˈkɒmɪsəri/

Definition:

A store supplying food and provisions, especially in a military base or prison.

Synonyms:

canteen, store, shop, provisioner

Part of Speech:

noun

Antonyms:

consumer, customer

Common Collocations:

military commissary, prison commissary, commissary supplies, commissary worker

Derivatives:

commissaries, commissarial

Usage Tips:

Use "commissary" to refer to a store in institutions like prisons or military bases; avoid for general retail stores.

Common Phrases:

base commissary, prison commissary, commissary officer

Etymology:

From Latin "commissarius," meaning delegate or agent, via Medieval Latin "commissaria," referring to a storehouse.

Examples:

  • 1. The soldiers bought snacks at the commissary before their mission.
  • 2. Prisoners can purchase toiletries from the commissary once a week.
  • 3. The commissary on base stocks fresh produce and canned goods.
  • 4. She works as a cashier in the military commissary.

MORE VOCABULARY LISTS