human resources

American  

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

See Examples For:

human resources

He had hoped to become a political or policy analyst after graduation, but fierce competition in the entry-level job market has forced him to broaden his search to areas like human resources.

From MarketWatch ● Aug. 4, 2026

The phenomenon is becoming so commonplace it made the agenda of human resources organization SHRM’s national conference in June.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 2, 2026

Multiple media outlets are reporting that the move is connected to a complaint filed to UNC’s human resources department.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 27, 2026

"The fact that there is a border between us is ridiculous," says Chotrani, who has a job in human resources in a Gibraltarian shipping and tourism company.

From BBC ● Jul. 12, 2026

Fifteen trains leave Lecherfa every twenty-four hours, says Jose Patricio Sanchez Arellano, who handles human resources for Lecherfa and other stations for Ferrocarril y Terminal del Valle de Mexico.

From "Enrique's Journey" by Sonia Nazario