kind

noun

\ ˈkīnd

Definition of kind

(Entry 1 of 2)

1a : a group united by common traits or interests : category

b : a specific or recognized variety what kind of car do you drive

c : a doubtful or barely admissible member of a category a kind of gray

2 : fundamental nature or quality : essence a difference in degree but not in kind

3a : goods or commodities as distinguished from money payment in kind

b : the equivalent of what has been offered or received promised to return the favor in kind

4a archaic : nature

b archaic : family, lineage

5 archaic : manner

all kinds of

1 : many likes all kinds of sports

2 : plenty of has all kinds of time

kind

adjective

Definition of kind (Entry 2 of 2)

1a : of a sympathetic or helpful nature was helped by a kind neighbor They were very kind to us.

b : of a forbearing nature : gentle kind treatment of animals

c : arising from or characterized by sympathy or forbearance a kind act a kind smile

2 : of a kind to give pleasure or relief cooled by a kind breeze

3 chiefly dialectal : affectionate, loving

Synonyms & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More about kind

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Choose the Right Synonym for kind

Noun

type, kind, sort, nature, description, character mean a number of individuals thought of as a group because of a common quality or qualities. type may suggest strong and clearly marked similarity throughout the items included so that each is typical of the group. one of three basic body types kind may suggest natural grouping. a zoo seemingly having animals of every kind sort often suggests some disparagement. the sort of newspaper dealing in sensational stories nature may imply inherent, essential resemblance rather than obvious or superficial likenesses. two problems of a similar nature description implies a group marked by agreement in all details belonging to a type as described or defined. not all acts of that description are actually illegal character implies a group marked by distinctive likenesses peculiar to the type. research on the subject so far has been of an elementary character

Examples of kind in a Sentence

Noun

hawks and other birds of that kind In this city, you'll find many kinds of people. I like to try different kinds of food. She described the color as a kind of red. I think he's an accountant, financial adviser, or something of that kind.

Adjective

A kind old woman took the cat in and nursed it back to health. It was very kind of you to show me the way. Thank you for your kind words.

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

His favorites were books on strategy and tactics, but his interest in literature of any kind far exceeded that of either of his less intellectually inclined parents. — Alan Pell Crawford, WSJ, "‘Light-Horse Harry Lee’ Review: Wedded to His Sword," 3 Feb. 2019 Business casual isn't on the docket for this trip, but matching sets of any kind make getting dressed no-fuss, and incredibly polished. — Carrie Goldberg, Harper's BAZAAR, "The Ultimate Honeymoon Packing List," 25 Jan. 2019 In a Facebook status update, Jen vaguely blames health issues for a months-long hiatus, though nothing in Glamour's interviews and the Harts’ emails and paperwork points to physical illness of any kind. — Glamour, "Broken Harts, Episode 7: 'Stone-Cold Narcissist'," 22 Jan. 2019 At the time of writing, short shorts had just a 51 percent majority over bike shorts—making the lesson here that shorts of any kind are still as necessary as ever. — Vogue, "The Best Fashion Trends of 2018, According to You, Our Instagram Followers," 18 Dec. 2018 Since One Direction went on hiatus more three years ago, fans haven’t lost hope for a potential reunion from the X-Factor alums (of any kind, really). — Sara Delgado, Teen Vogue, "One Direction Might Celebrate the Holidays Together," 10 Dec. 2018 For pet lovers of any kind (including cats), request a custom portrait of your favorite pal. — Caroline Picard, Good Housekeeping, "What Do I Want for Christmas? Take This Quiz to Find Out the Answer," 30 Nov. 2018 Here, the best places to explore in the neighborhood: Ryo Kan Japanese and Mexican design merge at Ryo Kan, the first property of its kind to open in Latin America. — Michaela Trimble, Vogue, "An Insider’s Guide to the Little Tokyo of Mexico City," 23 Jan. 2019 The data-science school, which is still being designed, is among several of its kind popping up at universities around the nation. — Douglas Belkin, WSJ, "UVA to Set Up School of Data Science With $120 Million Gift," 18 Jan. 2019

Recent Examples on the Web: Adjective

As parents, our main job is to teach our children lessons that help to guide them toward being good, kind people. — Casey Brown, Good Housekeeping, "I Was Riley's Mom — Until the Day She Called Me "Handsome"," 1 Dec. 2017 Actress Lena Dunham also had kind words to say about Meghan. — Kayla Keegan, Good Housekeeping, "'The View' Star Meghan McCain Got Emotional Discussing "Regret" on Thursday's Show," 26 Oct. 2018 Grateful for all the love, kind words and prayers, your support has been overwhelming Black Yale community is beyond incredible and is taking good care of me. — Cleve R. Wootson Jr., Washington Post, "A black Yale student fell asleep in her dorm’s common room. A white student called police.," 10 May 2018 Everyone has been incredibly patient, kind and gracious. — Beth Wood, sandiegouniontribune.com, "La Jolla Symphony & Chorus: 'Carmina Burana' and a long-awaited conducting debut by Patrick Walders," 14 Mar. 2018 Shortly after he and his staff were fired on Monday, Cross issued a heartfelt and kind statement on social media. — Mac Engel, star-telegram, "UTA needless firing of Cross doesn't fix the problem," 27 Mar. 2018 Many thanks to @postydamaris and her kind family and @iamtommyg photography for making a dream come true and proving my high school classmates right!! — Gabrielle Bruney, Esquire, "David Harbour Followed Through on His Promise to Appear in a Kid's Yearbook Photo," 13 Jan. 2018 Take care of and be kind to yourself, others, and the planet. — Vogue, "Laura Morgan, the Artist and Cult Model, Is Back on Fashion’s Radar," 27 Dec. 2018 Winter isn’t exactly kind to the moisture-loving areas of your body. — Korin Miller, SELF, "8 Ways to Keep Winter From Making Your Dry Eyes Worse," 11 Dec. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'kind.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.