1
: of, relating to, or characteristic of humans (see human entry 2)
the human brain
human voices
problems that have occurred throughout human history
2
: consisting of or involving humans
everyone held hands and made a human chain
human interactions
human spaceflight
3
a
: having human form or attributes
the statue is more human than the beings at his feet—
Clifton Fadiman
Clifton Fadiman
b
: representative of or susceptible to the sympathies and frailties of human nature
human kindness
a human weakness
such an inconsistency is very human—P. E. More
P. E. More
: a bipedal primate mammal (Homo sapiens) : a person : man sense 1c
—usually plural
a disease that affects both humans and animals
incomprehensible to us humans—William James
William JamesExamples of human in a Sentence
Adjective
problems that have occurred throughout human history
She is a very kind and human person.
The dog's expression was almost human.
The assembly line was a human machine.
Everyone held hands and formed a human chain.
Noun
humans are the only mammals not endowed with a natural defense against the elements, such as fur or a thick hide
Recent Examples on the Web
Jamie Gutfreund, Forbes.com, 6 July 2025
However, human clinical trials are essential before camel milk can be recommended as a treatment or preventive measure for asthma.
—New Atlas, 6 July 2025
Meghan Hall, Sourcing Journal, 25 June 2025
Striking a Balance Between Technology and Humanity Organizations don’t have to choose between humans and technology.
—Glenn Llopis, Forbes.com, 25 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for human
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Adjective
Dubey’s vision makes marketing more human by making creativity more accessible and raising the quality bar.
—Jamie Gutfreund, Forbes.com, 6 July 2025
However, human clinical trials are essential before camel milk can be recommended as a treatment or preventive measure for asthma.
—New Atlas, 6 July 2025
Noun
The Teamsters have been vocal about their commitment to keeping a human in the loop with emerging technologies in the workforce.
—Meghan Hall, Sourcing Journal, 25 June 2025
Striking a Balance Between Technology and Humanity Organizations don’t have to choose between humans and technology.
—Glenn Llopis, Forbes.com, 25 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for human
Cite this Entry
“Human.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/human. Accessed 9 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
human
1 of 2 adjective
hu·man
ˈhyü-mən 
ˈyü-
1
: relating to or characteristic of human beings
especially
: showing qualities typical of human beings
a human failing
2
: consisting of or involving human beings
human spaceflight
3
: having human form or characteristics
the dog's expression was almost human
Medical Definition
1
a
: of, relating to, or characteristic of humans
the human body
human biochemistry
b
: primarily or usually harbored by, affecting, or attacking humans
human diseases
human parasites
2
: being or consisting of humans
the human race
3
: consisting of members of the genus Homo
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