humanitarian

noun

hu·​man·​i·​tar·​i·​an hyü-ˌma-nə-ˈter-ē-ən 

yü-

: a person promoting human welfare and social reform : philanthropist

recognized as a great humanitarian for her work to end world hunger

humanitarian adjective

humanitarianism

hyü-ˌma-nə-ˈter-ē-ə-ˌni-zəm 

yü-

noun

Examples of humanitarian in a Sentence

She has been recognized as a great humanitarian for her efforts to end world hunger.

Recent Examples on the Web

Being a humanitarian, Wozniak said, has been a big but often overshadowed part of his life. —Sal Pizarro, Mercury News, 22 Jan. 2026

For example, Manny Mota was a good player and has spent years as a Dodgers coach and a humanitarian. —Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 22 Jan. 2026

Each sheet of 20 stamps also features a photo of Ali posing in a pinstripe suit, a recognition of his work as an activist and humanitarian. —Dallas Morning News, 12 Jan. 2026

In his effort to rebuild the broken bridge between actors and directors, the humanitarian shared his love for his fellow actors and reminded the crowd that actors are people, too. —Alejandra Gularte, Vulture, 12 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1843, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing humanitarian

• anti-humanitarian

Rhymes for humanitarian

• authoritarian
• communitarian
• disciplinarian
• egalitarian
• equalitarian
• majoritarian
• octogenarian
• parliamentarian
• radiolarian
• totalitarian
• utilitarian
• agrarian

Kids Definition

humanitarian

noun

hu·​man·​i·​tar·​i·​an hyü-ˌman-ə-ˈter-ē-ən 

yü-

: a person devoted to or working for the health and happiness of other people

humanitarian adjective

humanitarianism

-ē-ə-ˌniz-əm 

noun