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
plural -s
: concern for human welfare especially as expressed through philanthropic activities and interest in social reforms : the practice or display of humanitarian principles
extended their humanitarianism to include the Indian tribes—
H. M. Hyman
H. M. HymanExamples of humanitarian in a Sentence
Noun (1)
She has been recognized as a great humanitarian for her efforts to end world hunger.
Recent Examples on the Web
Nicholas Rice, PEOPLE, 7 June 2026
Billie Jean King - Sports Icon and award-winning humanitarian who has spent her life advocating for gender and LGBTQ+ equality in and out of sports.
—Frank Racioppi, Forbes.com, 20 May 2026
The chef and humanitarian throws a backyard bash for his family and friends centered around the centuries-old Valencian dish.
—José Andrés, Bon Appetit Magazine, 20 May 2026
Beyond her stage career, Baker was a committed civil rights activist and a French Resistance spy during World War II, leaving a lasting legacy as both an artist and humanitarian.
—Spin Staff, SPIN, 11 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for humanitarian
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Noun
Jolie is a longtime humanitarian, having worked with various organizations for an array of causes over the years.
—Nicholas Rice, PEOPLE, 7 June 2026
Billie Jean King - Sports Icon and award-winning humanitarian who has spent her life advocating for gender and LGBTQ+ equality in and out of sports.
—Frank Racioppi, Forbes.com, 20 May 2026
The chef and humanitarian throws a backyard bash for his family and friends centered around the centuries-old Valencian dish.
—José Andrés, Bon Appetit Magazine, 20 May 2026
Beyond her stage career, Baker was a committed civil rights activist and a French Resistance spy during World War II, leaving a lasting legacy as both an artist and humanitarian.
—Spin Staff, SPIN, 11 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for humanitarian
Cite this Entry
“Humanitarian.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/humanitarian. Accessed 24 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationKids 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
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