humane

adjective

hu·​mane hyü-ˈmān How to pronounce humane (audio)
yü-
Synonyms of humanenext
1
: marked by compassion, sympathy, or consideration for humans or animals
humane prison guards
a more humane way of treating farm animals
2
: characterized by or tending to broad humanistic culture : humanistic
humane studies
humanely adverb
humaneness noun

Examples of humane in a Sentence

It's not humane to treat animals that way. Conditions in the prison are more humane now.
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.
The humane society will be on hand on Friday to rescue the remaining cats, Stowe said. Ricky Sayer, CBS News, 26 Mar. 2026 Burke believed that manners and mores, customs and norms, codes of conduct, and beauty itself made life more humane. Peter Wehner, The Atlantic, 23 Mar. 2026 All pets must meet humane transportation requirements. Tanya Wildt, Freep.com, 23 Mar. 2026 According to Post-Tribune archives, 163 of those animals were picked up by owners, and 328 were adopted or sent to humane shelters. Maya Wilkins, Chicago Tribune, 22 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for humane

Word History

Etymology

Middle English humain

First Known Use

1552, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of humane was in 1552

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Humane.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/humane. Accessed 2 Apr. 2026.

Kids Definition

humane

adjective
hu·​mane hyü-ˈmān How to pronounce humane (audio)
yü-
: marked by sympathy or consideration for others
humanely adverb
humaneness noun

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