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

In Sudan and South Sudan, which broke away and gained independence in 2011, humanitarians are ready to turn funding to aid, Hyslop said. —Chris Boccia, ABC News, 22 July 2025

Within it, Charles stressed that the work that humanitarians do around the world knows no boundaries, irrespective of religion, background, or faith. —Simon Perry, People.com, 17 Apr. 2025

Burrell was also a true humanitarian, Reeves said, freely giving his time, skills and resources to anyone in need. —Katie Langford, Denver Post, 17 June 2025

There are three categories of humanitarians right now. —Isaac Chotiner, New Yorker, 2 May 2025

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