utilitarian

1 of 2

noun

util·​i·​tar·​i·​an (ˌ)yü-ˌti-lə-ˈter-ē-ən 

: an advocate or adherent of utilitarianism

utilitarian

2 of 2

adjective

1

: of or relating to or advocating utilitarianism

2

: marked by utilitarian views or practices

3

a

: of, relating to, or aiming at utility

b

: exhibiting or preferring mere utility

spare utilitarian furnishings

Examples of utilitarian in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Taschen left the reimagining of the ranch house entirely in the hands of Pardo, with no preconceived conceptual directive and no prescribed program beyond the utilitarian. —Mayer Rus, Architectural Digest, 8 Oct. 2024

Aaron Young’s weathered tire swing dangling from a 24-karat gold chain; Rich Aybar’s cocooning, low-slung rubber chair; and Mr. Liz Hopkins’ otherworldly fiberglass and resin lamp, for example, elevate the utilitarian through memory and wonder. —Alia Akkam, Architectural Digest, 15 July 2024

Adjective

Pairing a utilitarian staple, like cargo pants, with overtly luxurious piece (such as a vintage fur coat or heritage bag) gives your ’fit a captivating touch of the unexpected. —Kelsey Stiegman, Glamour, 21 Mar. 2025

Sure, socks may get a rap for being a mere utilitarian accessory to keep your feet warm. —Christian Allaire, Vogue, 21 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

circa 1780, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

1802, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for utilitarian

• authoritarian
• communitarian
• disciplinarian
• egalitarian
• equalitarian
• humanitarian
• majoritarian
• octogenarian
• parliamentarian
• radiolarian
• totalitarian
• agrarian

Kids Definition

utilitarian

adjective

util·​i·​tar·​i·​an

(ˌ)yü-ˌtil-ə-ˈter-ē-ən

1

: of or relating to utility

2

: aiming at usefulness rather than beauty

utilitarian furniture