What does commissionaire mean?
A commissionaire is a uniformed doorkeeper or attendant stationed at the entrance of a hotel, theatre, office block, or similar public establishment, whose duties include greeting visitors, opening doors, giving directions, and maintaining a reassuring presence. The word is essentially British in currency; American English uses 'doorman' for the equivalent role. Its most famous association is with the Corps of Commissionaires, a charitable organisation founded in London in 1859 by Captain Edward Walter to find employment for veterans unable to secure civilian posts after leaving the armed forces — which is why commissionaires were traditionally ex-soldiers and why their smart uniforms deliberately recalled military dress. Today the word has a distinctly old-fashioned, genteel ring, evoking brass buttons, peaked caps, and the polished lobbies of grand hotels, and it appears far less frequently than it once did as such roles have evolved into modern security and concierge positions.
nounA uniformed doorkeeper or attendant at a hotel, theatre, or other public building, especially one who welcomes visitors and performs light security duties.
- A uniformed doorkeeper or attendant at a hotel, theatre, office building, or other public establishment, responsible for greeting visitors, holding doors, and general order-keeping; the term is strongly associated with members of the Corps of Commissionaires, a British organisation employing ex-servicemen.
"The elderly commissionaire tipped his cap and held open the hotel's brass doors for arriving guests."
"A white-gloved commissionaire stood at the entrance, directing theatregoers to the box office."
"The grand old hotel had employed the same commissionaire on its front steps for nearly forty years."
Regular plural; simply add -s.
"Commissionaires in dark blue uniforms lined the entrance to the exhibition hall."
The original London commissionaires were veterans who couldn't find work after leaving the army — so in 1859 a retired officer founded an entire corps to employ them, and their uniforms deliberately echoed military dress.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of commissionaire
Commissionaire derives from French 'commissionnaire', meaning one entrusted with a commission or undertaking business on another's behalf — itself from 'commission', ultimately from Latin 'commissio' ('a sending together, entrusting'). The word entered English in the early 19th century, first denoting an agent or intermediary, before narrowing in Britain to mean a uniformed doorkeeper. Its sibling forms include 'commission', 'commissioner', and the Russian-derived 'commissar', all descending from the same Latin root.
How commissionaire is actually used
Chiefly British; the word is largely unfamiliar to American readers, where 'doorman' is used instead. The term carries a slightly old-fashioned, genteel connotation and is now less common than it once was, though it remains strongly associated with the Corps of Commissionaires, founded in 1859 to provide employment for former soldiers.
Easily confused with commissionaire
A commissioner is an official given a commission or authority over a department or inquiry, whereas a commissionaire is a uniformed doorkeeper.