1
: of, relating to, or characteristic of humans (see human entry 2)
the human brain
human voices
problems that have occurred throughout human history
2
: consisting of or involving humans
everyone held hands and made a human chain
human interactions
human spaceflight
3
a
: having human form or attributes
The statue is more human than the beings at his feet.—
Clifton Fadiman
Clifton Fadiman
b
: representative of or susceptible to the sympathies and frailties of human nature
human kindness
a human weakness
such an inconsistency is very human—P. E. More
P. E. More
: a bipedal primate mammal (Homo sapiens) : a person : man sense 1c
—usually plural
a disease that affects both humans and animals
… incomprehensible to us humans.—William James
William JamesExamples of human in a Sentence
Adjective
problems that have occurred throughout human history
She is a very kind and human person.
The dog's expression was almost human.
The assembly line was a human machine.
Everyone held hands and formed a human chain.
Noun
humans are the only mammals not endowed with a natural defense against the elements, such as fur or a thick hide
Recent Examples on the Web
Literary Hub, 12 Dec. 2025
But this isn't close to the end for Abrego Garcia, who must still abide by strict pre-trial release conditions by another judge overseeing a human smuggling criminal case brought against him in Nashville.
—Phillip M. Bailey, USA Today, 12 Dec. 2025
Leigh Scheps, Parents, 13 Dec. 2025
In response, the bear turns around and lunges twice at the man harassing it, scaring the human off before causing any physical harm.
—Moná Thomas, PEOPLE, 13 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for human
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.
Adjective
Returning to a situation in which slavery is rare, or even a situation in which slavery is totally abolished, is simply returning to a more natural state of being human, not advancing to some higher state from a primitive one.
—Literary Hub, 12 Dec. 2025
But this isn't close to the end for Abrego Garcia, who must still abide by strict pre-trial release conditions by another judge overseeing a human smuggling criminal case brought against him in Nashville.
—Phillip M. Bailey, USA Today, 12 Dec. 2025
Noun
Impeccable Timing Originally, Scott’s due date was October 27, leaving enough time—10 days—between birthing a Broadway show to recover before birthing a human.
—Leigh Scheps, Parents, 13 Dec. 2025
In response, the bear turns around and lunges twice at the man harassing it, scaring the human off before causing any physical harm.
—Moná Thomas, PEOPLE, 13 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for human
Cite this Entry
“Human.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/human. Accessed 15 Dec. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
human
1 of 2 adjective
hu·man
ˈhyü-mən 
ˈyü-
1
: relating to or characteristic of human beings
especially
: showing qualities typical of human beings
a human failing
2
: consisting of or involving human beings
human spaceflight
3
: having human form or characteristics
the dog's expression was almost human
Medical Definition
1
a
: of, relating to, or characteristic of humans
the human body
human biochemistry
b
: primarily or usually harbored by, affecting, or attacking humans
human diseases
human parasites
2
: being or consisting of humans
the human race
3
: consisting of members of the genus Homo
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share