mankind

noun

man·​kind
singular or plural in construction
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.
But this franchise installment does nicely wrap a 30-year-old story line for Cruise's secret agent Ethan Hunt, who battles a villainous AI in a high-stakes quest to keep mankind from being wiped out. Brian Truitt, USA Today, 4 July 2025 Nearly all of humanity — 12 planets’ worth — is annihilated by the Cylons, an android race created by mankind itself. Declan Gallagher, EW.com, 3 July 2025 Unlike the rest of the immortals, Discord does not think their immortality should be used to help mankind and wants to put a stop to their interference. Caroline Blair, People.com, 3 July 2025 Tom Cruise may shoot furtive glances at co-stars, punch of co-stars in the face and/or betray co-stars for the good of mankind. Keith Sharon, The Tennessean, 2 July 2025 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 9 Jul. 2025.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on mankind

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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