Staffrooms

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A designated area within a workplace where employees can relax or take breaks during work hours
2. A space often equipped with seating and refreshments meant for the use of staff during their downtime
3. A common room for personnel to gather, exchange ideas, or enjoy meals away from their workstations

Etymology: "Staff" has two senses that look unrelated. The stick sense comes from Old English "staef," a rod or pole. The sense of a body of people working together came later, through military use. It was borrowed from German "Stab," which also meant a rod, for the group of officers who assisted a commander. The image is of a support, something to lean on. The second half, "room," comes from Old English "rum," meaning space. "Staffroom" is a plain compound: a room set aside for a body of staff. The plural "staffrooms" is simply the regular plural of that compound, with the "-s" added to the final element.

Synonyms: breakrooms, lounge, staff areas