human resources

American  

[hyoo-muhn ree-sawr-sis, ree-zawr-siz, yoo-muhn] / ˈhyu mən ˈri sɔr sɪs, ˈri zɔr sɪz, ˈyu mən /

noun

1. (used with a plural verb) people, especially the personnel employed by a given company, institution, or the like.

2. (used with a singular verb) human resources department.

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human resources British  

plural noun

1. 1. the workforce of an organization

   2. ( as modifier )

      human-resources management

      human-resources officer

2. 1. the office or department in an organization that interviews, appoints, or keeps records of employees

   2. ( as modifier )

      a human-resources consultancy

3. the contribution to an employing organization which its workforce could provide in effort, skills, knowledge, etc

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Etymology

Origin of human resources

First recorded in 1965–70

Example Sentences

Wu Jingliang, a human resources manager in Beijing, got a raise at the beginning of the year, and the first financial move her family made was to increase their monthly savings rate.

From Barron's • Apr. 27, 2026

“I’ve been here nearly 20 years and seeing this going from concept to reality has been the greatest thing,” said Tiffany August, associate vice president of LACMA’s people and culture department, which oversees human resources.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 17, 2026

“We provide all the supporting systems to develop them, coach them and then give them different assignments,” said Annie Huang, senior vice president for human resources for P&G in North America.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 24, 2026

Lufthansa human resources chief Michale Niggemann earlier criticised the walkout as "completely incomprehensible," particularly at a time of "geopolitical uncertainty with the war in Iran" that had thrown global air traffic into chaos.

From Barron's • Mar. 12, 2026

Her father had, finally, found a job, as the deputy director of human resources in one of the new banks.

From "Americanah" by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie