Commission

/kəˈmɪʃ.ən/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A group of people officially charged with a particular function.

The government appointed a commission to investigate the corruption allegations.

A formal agreement granting authority to act or conduct business.

He received a commission from the board to oversee the construction project.

A fee or percentage paid to an agent or employee for performing a service.

The salesperson earned a commission on each car sold.

verb

To give an order for or authorize the production of something.

She decided to commission a portrait of her family.

To appoint someone to a position or to act in a specified capacity.

He was commissioned as an officer in the army.

Late Middle English: from Latin 'commissionem', from 'committere', meaning 'to entrust'.

commission of inquiry

A commission established to investigate specific issues or events.

sales commission

A percentage of the sale used as compensation for a salesperson.

in the commission of

While engaging in or conducting an action.

commissioner

A person appointed to a commission.

commissary

A store that sells food and other goods, especially on military bases.

To be on commission

She's on commission, so she only gets paid when she makes a sale.

Commission breath

He was pushing that product hard; I think he's got commission breath.