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

Human resources leaders at some of America’s largest companies say it’s time to stop treating their AI as people.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 27, 2026

Human resources managers use machine learning software to analyze millions of employment-related data points, churning out recommendations of whom to interview, hire, promote or help retain.

From Washington Post • Feb. 20, 2023

Human resources personnel send staffers a new memo nearly every day alerting them to a COVID-19 infection in the building.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 6, 2022

Human resources expert Michaela Gartside believes keeping in touch with people while they are off work is vital.

From BBC • Apr. 7, 2020

Human resources personnel might ask themselves if they can afford your salary.

From Encyclopedia.com • Sep. 19, 2018