mankind

noun

man·​kind
singular or plural in construction
Synonyms of mankindnext
1
ˈman-ˈkīnd How to pronounce mankind (audio)
-ˌkīnd
: the human race : the totality of human beings
2
ˈman-ˌkīnd How to pronounce mankind (audio) : men especially as distinguished from women

Examples of mankind in a Sentence

all of mankind stands to gain if world peace is ever achieved
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
With the Artemis program laying the groundwork for mankind's return to the moon, something like this rover could, manned or unmanned, end up driving across its surface. — Chris McMullen, Space.com, 22 Sep. 2026 That whole generation’s old-fashioned American ethics — the unwavering belief in the equality of mankind and pulling together for each other — was the spirit that my grandfather took with him. — Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 18 Sep. 2026 As part of the elite unit called the Helldivers, players must work together to protect Super Earth and defeat the enemies of mankind in an intense intergalactic war. — Justin Kroll, Deadline, 18 Sep. 2026 Over the ensuing centuries, high-IQ couples wait for just the right time to have children, while their lower-IQ counterparts breed aplenty until mankind becomes exponentially more vapid. — Donald Liebenson, IndieWire, 14 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for mankind

Word History

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of mankind was in the 13th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Mankind.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mankind. Accessed 29 Sep. 2026.

Kids Definition

mankind

noun
man·​kind
1
ˈman-ˈkīnd, 
-ˌkīnd
: the human race : all human beings
2
-ˌkīnd
: men rather than women

Medical Definition

mankind

noun singular but singular or plural in construction
: the human race : the totality of human beings

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