commish

noun

com·​mish kə-ˈmish 

plural commishes

US, informal

: commissioner

the police commish

People who can't make the march are encouraged to fax art to HPD [Department of Housing Preservation and Development] commish Deborah Wright …

—Esther Kaplan, The Village Voice, 24 May 1994

especially : the commissioner of an organized professional sport

Just as the controversy got interesting, the commish jetted to L.A. for an emergency player meeting and brokered a quick resolution.

—Geoff Shackelford, Golf World, 26 Apr. 2010

Word History

Etymology

by shortening and respelling

First Known Use

1896, in the meaning defined above

The Ultimate Dictionary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

1. Expanded definitions
2. Detailed etymologies
3. Advanced search tools
4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now