1. stores that sell food and supplies, especially on military bases or in institutions
Usage: military; institutional
2. officials appointed to perform specific duties or represent an authority
Usage: formal

Examples

• The soldiers bought groceries at the base commissaries.
• Military families save money by shopping at commissaries instead of regular stores.
• The prison commissaries sell basic necessities to inmates.
• Company commissaries were appointed to oversee the merger process.
• The commissaries reported directly to the regional director.
• She worked as a cashier at one of the naval commissaries.