1staff 
/ˈstæf, Brit ˈstɑ:f/ noun
plural staffs or staves /ˈstæf, Brit ˈstɑ:f/ noun /ˈsteɪvz/ 1 plural staffs a : a group of people who work for an organization or business [count] ▪ The entire staff has done a great job this year. ▪ The staff is at a meeting. ▪ a teaching/sales/editorial/coaching/pitching staff ▪ the hospital/library/kitchen staff ▪ The department has a staff of 40 (people). ▪ She's a new member of the staff. ▪ He has been on the staff [=a member of the staff] for 25 years. [noncount] ▪ (US) There are 100 people on staff. [=working as members of the staff] ▪ (Brit) She's a new member of staff. ▪ a staff member/director/writer/meeting — see also waitstaff
b [count] : a group of military officers who help a commanding officer but who do not take part in active fighting
▪ The general's staff is planning the army's next move. — see also chief of staff, joint chiefs of staff 2 plural staves [count] a old-fashioned : a long stick that you carry in your hand for support while walking
b : a long stick that is carried as a symbol of authority
▪ a bishop's staff 3 plural staves [count] music : the five horizontal lines and the spaces between them on which music is written —called also stave
b [count] : a group of military officers who help a commanding officer but who do not take part in active fighting
▪ The general's staff is planning the army's next move. — see also chief of staff, joint chiefs of staff
usage Staff may be used as a plural noun to mean the members of a staff.
▪ The company employs 20 full-time staff. ▪ The staff are at a meeting.
▪ The company employs 20 full-time staff. ▪ The staff are at a meeting.
b : a long stick that is carried as a symbol of authority
▪ a bishop's staff
staff of life
