human rights

plural noun

: rights (such as freedom from unlawful imprisonment, torture, and execution) regarded as belonging fundamentally to all persons

Examples of human rights in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Published in The Dial Andrew Nachemson is a journalist covering politics, human rights and China’s influence in Southeast Asia. — Andrew Nachemson, The Dial, 22 Sep. 2026

The Biden administration imposed the measures in 2021 over human rights abuses committed during the Tigray war in neighboring Ethiopia. — Adrian Elimian, semafor.com, 21 Sep. 2026

Zayra Hernandez, human rights activist For students and foreigners visiting Mexico, Shirk advised exercising caution and being informed about the risks there but noted that the country still has a lot to offer. — Michael Rios, CNN Money, 21 Sep. 2026

In her interview with AP, Mohammadi -- who has been jailed repeatedly over decades of advocating for human rights and was behind bars when she was awarded the Nobel Prize -- described her most recent arrest, detention and health. — Arkansas Online, 20 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1629, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for human rights

• acolytes
• ammonites
• amorites
• analytes
• andesites
• appetites
• argillites
• astrocytes
• belemnites
• bryophytes
• canaanites
• carmelites

Legal Definition

human rights

noun plural

: rights (as freedom from unlawful imprisonment, torture, and execution) regarded as belonging fundamentally to all people