utilitarian

1 of 2

noun

util·​i·​tar·​i·​an (ˌ)yü-ˌti-lə-ˈter-ē-ən How to pronounce utilitarian (audio)
: 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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
Lighting should go beyond the utilitarian and make a statement with its style and scale. Amy Panos, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 June 2025 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
Adjective
When World War II broke out in 1939 and women were brought into the workplace in the ’40s, fashion reacted with more functional, utilitarian wear. Madeline Holcombe, CNN Money, 11 Oct. 2025 Next to these, Google's Pixel 10 Pro Fold appears bulky and utilitarian, which doesn't do it any favors. Eric Zeman, PC Magazine, 8 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for utilitarian

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

circa 1780, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

1802, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of utilitarian was circa 1780

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Utilitarian.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/utilitarian. Accessed 18 Oct. 2025.

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

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