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.

---

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

---

Etymology

Origin of human resources

First recorded in 1965–70

Example Sentences

Cibrowski was waiting with Weiss, Bilton and human resources.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 3, 2026

Workday, which is primarily known for its human resources software, has integrated AI agents into its offerings, much like its peer Salesforce, but investors have remained skeptical this year.

From Barron's • May 21, 2026

Aside from more jobs in areas such as construction, gardening, human resources and science, "benefits" would include "improved bus links, cycling routes, flood resilience, and biodiverse landscaping".

From BBC • May 19, 2026

Biosphere's human resources director in Dnipro, Olena Shpitz, said the factory employs 500 people, down from 800 before Russia invaded in 2022.

From Barron's • May 13, 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