humanity
noun
hu·man·i·ty
hyü-ˈma-nə-tē 
yü-
plural humanities
1
: compassionate, sympathetic, or generous behavior or disposition : the quality or state of being humane
bespeaking humanity for the enemy in the midst of a bloody struggle—
C. G. Bowers
C. G. Bowers2
3
humanities plural
: the branches of learning (such as philosophy, arts, or languages) that investigate human constructs (see construct entry 2 sense 1a) and concerns as opposed to natural processes (as in physics or chemistry) and social relations (as in anthropology or economics)
4
: the totality of human beings : the human race : humankind
a fierce compassion for the woes of humanity—Maurice Bowra
Maurice BowraExamples of humanity in a Sentence
We appealed to his sense of humanity.
These discoveries will be of benefit to all humanity.
She was cut off from the rest of humanity.
the college of arts and humanities
He's taking courses in both the sciences and the humanities.
Recent Examples on the Web
This breakthrough strengthens confidence in fusion technology, bringing humanity closer to realizing sustainable, limitless energy.
—Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 28 Feb. 2025
George Clooney, 'Syriana' (2006) Even with some extra weight and bushy facial hair, Clooney can't hide his talent for imbuing watchable humanity into a role.
—Brian Truitt, USA TODAY, 28 Feb. 2025
In the battle to control water, humanity has thrown everything at the problem—dams, levees, canals and other costly infrastructure projects.
—Scott Travers, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2025
Durham taps into the desperation of artists hemmed in by an authoritarian system that provides for their training but warps their humanity.
—April Austin, The Christian Science Monitor, 27 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for humanity
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.
Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 28 Feb. 2025
George Clooney, 'Syriana' (2006) Even with some extra weight and bushy facial hair, Clooney can't hide his talent for imbuing watchable humanity into a role.
—Brian Truitt, USA TODAY, 28 Feb. 2025
In the battle to control water, humanity has thrown everything at the problem—dams, levees, canals and other costly infrastructure projects.
—Scott Travers, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2025
Durham taps into the desperation of artists hemmed in by an authoritarian system that provides for their training but warps their humanity.
—April Austin, The Christian Science Monitor, 27 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for humanity
Cite this Entry
“Humanity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/humanity. Accessed 21 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
humanity
noun
hu·man·i·ty
hyü-ˈman-ət-ē
yü-
plural humanities
1
: the quality or state of being human or of being humane
2
plural
: studies (as literature, history, and art) concerned primarily with human culture
3
: the whole collection of human beings both past and present
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share