humanitarian

noun

hu·​man·​i·​tar·​i·​an hyü-ˌma-nə-ˈter-ē-ən How to pronounce humanitarian (audio)
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 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
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.
He was named the James Beard Foundation’s humanitarian of the year in 2018 and was awarded with a Presidential Medal of Freedom in January 2025. Lydia Price, Travel + Leisure, 23 Oct. 2025 One of the main characters of this saga is the quarterback, Miami native Fernando Mendoza, an impressive scholar and humanitarian who might just be the greatest Cuban-American QB … well, ever. Walter Villa, Miami Herald, 22 Oct. 2025 But the country music icon, actress, activist and humanitarian posted a video to social media on Wednesday to clear up rumors that had been going around to the contrary. Dan Heching, CNN Money, 8 Oct. 2025 Sean has long been an inspiration to me — not only for his work as a filmmaker, but for his courage as a social activist and humanitarian. Mike Fleming Jr, Deadline, 5 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for humanitarian

Word History

First Known Use

1843, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of humanitarian was in 1843

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Humanitarian.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/humanitarian. Accessed 24 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

humanitarian

noun
hu·​man·​i·​tar·​i·​an hyü-ˌman-ə-ˈter-ē-ən How to pronounce humanitarian (audio)
yü-
: a person devoted to or working for the health and happiness of other people
humanitarian adjective
humanitarianism noun

More from Merriam-Webster on humanitarian

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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