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

The atmosphere is counter-service utilitarian, and there isn't a bar anywhere in sight. — Mark Dejoy, Bon Appetit Magazine, 10 June 2026

Koolhaas sang the joys of juxtapositions in his 1978 book Delirious New York, and here his firm has cultivated a distinctively New York–y jangle of forms in which the utilitarian becomes the theatrical. — Justin Davidson, Curbed, 19 Mar. 2026

Adjective

At the end of the day, there are times when taking a more utilitarian approach and leaving utilities exposed is actually more beneficial to the overall design of your outdoor space than attempting to conceal them. — Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 July 2026

For the person who insists that no detail is too small, the best toilet paper holders add intentionality to the bathroom’s utilitarian design scheme. — Kate McGregor, Architectural Digest, 20 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1781, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

1802, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for utilitarian

• antiquarian
• libertarian
• millenarian
• nonsectarian
• proletarian
• sanitarian
• trinitarian
• unitarian
• vegetarian
• veterinarian
• agrarian
• aquarian

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