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

Moving a corporate stock plan can take months if not years and can require approval from corporate human resources departments and other stakeholders.

From Barron's • Mar. 27, 2026

It rotates college graduates through a range of jobs within engineering, finance or human resources.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 24, 2026

Concerns followed Anthropic announcing its launch of plug-in tools to help with investment banking, engineering and human resources tasks.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 3, 2026

In December, Doe filed a complaint with Soho House human resources, and she was assured that an investigation would be opened and “immediate corrective action” taken.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 28, 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