manpower

[ man-pou-er ]

noun

1. power in terms of people available or required for work or military service:

   the manpower of a country.

manpower

/ ˈmænˌpaʊə /

noun

1. power supplied by men
2. a unit of power based on the rate at which a man can work; approximately 75 watts
3. the number of people available or required to perform a particular function

   the manpower of a battalion

Usage

Gender-neutral form: personnel, staff

Word History and Origins

Origin of manpower¹

First recorded in 1860–65; man + power

Example Sentences

We have already made significant security upgrades to include establishing a physical structure and increasing manpower to ensure the protection of Congress, the public and our police officers.

From Washington Post

“We have already made significant security upgrades to include establishing a physical structure and increasing manpower to ensure the protection of Congress, the public and our police officers,” police said in the statement.

From Washington Post

Very few people who breached the Capitol were arrested, and one law enforcement official said the reason was simply limited manpower.

From Washington Post

That let tribes grow larger, and larger tribes meant more heads to innovate and remember ideas, more manpower, and better ability to specialize.

From Singularity Hub 

Africa wasn’t just deprived of lost manpower and income, but also creativity, innovation, and relationships.

From Quartz

On the one hand, they are genuinely powerful, and Democrats rely on their money and manpower during elections.

From The Daily Beast

Nonviolent subjects were easier to rule and more likely to provide the revenue and manpower that would enable further conquest.

From The Daily Beast

And the tribes have the manpower and the will to fight, but they lack weapons to confront ISIS.

From The Daily Beast

“That is why we have more manpower this year,” commander Qari Talha told The Daily Beast over his mobile phone.

From The Daily Beast

Given the reality of their respective militaries looking at diminished sources of manpower, this is essential.

From The Daily Beast

Manpower is thus seen to be a direct function of leadership.

From Project Gutenberg

During the month of February the drain upon the manpower of the British Empire caused by the war made itself apparent.

From Project Gutenberg

They test almost to breaking the endurance of man, but in the end superior manpower emerges the victor.

From Project Gutenberg

The computer-independent bus system has not been expensive in manpower.

From Project Gutenberg

The bill calls for the conscription of manpower for the work and whatever materials may be necessary, without compensation.

From Project Gutenberg