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

Lufthansa human resources chief Michale Niggemann earlier criticised the walkout as "completely incomprehensible," particularly at a time of "geopolitical uncertainty with the war in Iran" that had thrown global air traffic into chaos.

From Barron's • Mar. 12, 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

Anna, who arrived in Germany as an au pair from Ukraine 15 years ago, now works in human resources at the joint venture.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 2, 2026

On their way out, all the NGO's assets, equipment, financial and human resources documents were confiscated by Houthi authorities, she recalls.

From BBC • Feb. 27, 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