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

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

Usonian: In the 1930s, Wright created a series of affordable, utilitarian homes intended for middle- and working-class families. —Tori Latham, Robb Report, 7 July 2025

Amazon’s selection of travel pants features something for every type of trip and traveler, from stylish linen picks to utilitarian hiking pants. —Sophie Dodd, Travel + Leisure, 7 July 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