human nature

noun

: the nature of humans
especially : the fundamental dispositions and traits of humans

Examples of human nature in a Sentence

You can't change human nature.
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.
Terry is a force of human nature, a one-man battering ram who still manages to maintain decorum and decency in the absence of others showing him any such courtesy. Hunter Ingram, Variety, 12 June 2025 And that is where Kerouac truly understood human nature. Matthew Carey, Deadline, 5 June 2025 Freedom of thought, freedom to imagine and to create is part of human nature and is the underpinning of a free society. Hadley Meares, HollywoodReporter, 4 June 2025 These bad actors tap into human nature—fear, trust and authority—with striking effectiveness. Shai Gabay, Forbes.com, 2 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for human nature

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of human nature was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Human nature.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/human%20nature. Accessed 18 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

human nature

noun
: the nature of human beings
especially : the ways of thinking, acting, and reacting that are common to most or all human beings or that are learned in social situations

More from Merriam-Webster on human nature

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!