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

The human resources employee in her 50s found the pontiff "extraordinary" during Saturday's prayer vigil with 500,000 mostly young people, seeing a "very positive message of joy".

From Barron's • Jun. 7, 2026

Pelley spoke with Weiss, CBS News President Tom Cibrowski, Bilton and a human resources representative Tuesday evening to discuss a path forward after his remarks, a meeting that turned tense.

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

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