concierge

[kon-see-airzh, kawn-syerzh]

noun

plural

concierges 

1. (especially in France) a person who has charge of the entrance of a building and is often the owner's representative; doorkeeper.

2. a member of a hotel staff in charge of special services for guests, as arranging for theater tickets or tours.

3. an employee stationed in an apartment house lobby who screens visitors, controls operation of elevators, accepts deliveries to the tenants, etc.

4. a janitor.

5. Obsolete.,  a custodian or warden.

adjective

1. pertaining to or being medical care for which the patient pays the doctor an annual fee for special or extra services.

   concierge medicine;

   concierge physicians.

concierge

/ ˌkɒnsɪˈɛəʒ, kɔ̃sjɛrʒ /

noun

1. (esp in France) a caretaker of a block of flats, hotel, etc, esp one who lives on the premises

Word History and Origins

Origin of concierge¹

First recorded in 1640–50; from French; Old French cumserges; further origin uncertain, possibly from Vulgar Latin conservius (unattested) “fellow slave,” from Latin conservus; con-, serve

Word History and Origins

Origin of concierge¹

C17: from French, ultimately from Latin conservus, from servus slave

Example Sentences

Its homes typically start at $50,000 per month, but the company also offers concierge services, so the house is only the start.

From Los Angeles Times

As the number of privately funded IVF cycles has risen, online concierge companies have emerged, acting as "middlemen" between patients, donors and doctors.

From BBC

"Everyone looked like a model but that made sense as a high-end concierge company. It was never written that you had to be ridiculously attractive," a former staff member said.

From BBC

“It’s a whole-day experience — come, enjoy concierge service with your friends, enjoy a great football game and that atmosphere that we’re trying to generate.”

From Los Angeles Times

It turned out the men had been directed there by the night concierge, who said he had been threatened at gunpoint.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• attendant 
• doorman 
• janitor