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 overall impact leaves even a coffee utilitarian like me giddy. —Editors Of Bon Appétit, Bon Appetit Magazine, 29 Oct. 2025

Lighting should go beyond the utilitarian and make a statement with its style and scale. —Amy Panos, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 June 2025

Adjective

Warm yellow lends itself well to color drenching a utilitarian space such as a laundry room, but also makes for a fun accent color for throw pillows or decorative pottery. —Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Jan. 2026

Broadly speaking, the justification for criminal punishment turned away from wrath, toward utilitarian concepts of effectiveness and social benefit. —Paul Rosenzweig, The Atlantic, 3 Jan. 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

• 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