Meaning & Definition of word "Commission"

Commission

/kəˈmɪʃ.ən/

noun:

  • 1. A group of people officially charged with a particular function.
    • Example: The government appointed a commission to investigate the corruption allegations.
  • 2. A formal agreement granting authority to act or conduct business.
    • Example: He received a commission from the board to oversee the construction project.
  • 3. A fee or percentage paid to an agent or employee for performing a service.
    • Example: The salesperson earned a commission on each car sold.

verb:

  • 1. To give an order for or authorize the production of something.
    • Example: She decided to commission a portrait of her family.
  • 2. To appoint someone to a position or to act in a specified capacity.
    • Example: He was commissioned as an officer in the army.

Etymology

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

Common Phrases and Expressions

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.

Related Words

commissioner:

A person appointed to a commission.

commissary:

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

Slang Meanings of commission

Meaning: To be on commission

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

Meaning: Commission breath

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