Committeemen

/kəˈmɪtiːmɛn/ noun

Definition

Plural of committeeman; multiple male members of committees, especially in political party organizations.

Etymology

From committeeman + -en (irregular plural). Standard plural form that emerged in 19th-century political terminology.

Kelly Says

The plural form committeemen was essential to American political language because these men—often urban party bosses—wielded enormous local power in the era before television changed politics.

Ethical Language Guidance

Gender History

Plural of 'committeeman'; reinforces male-as-default pattern for professional committee roles across institutions.

Inclusive Usage

Use 'committee members' instead of 'committeemen' to avoid gendered language and include all participants regardless of gender.

Inclusive Alternatives

["committee members"]

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.