transhumanism

noun

trans·​hu·​man·​ism tran(t)s-ˈhyü-məˌni-zəm 

tranz-, 

-ˈyü-

: a philosophy or philosophical movement that advocates using science and technology (such as biotechnology, genetic engineering, artificial intelligence, and nanotechnology) for the enhancement of humankind (as by augmenting physical and cognitive capabilities, extending longevity, and advancing human evolution)

Transhumanism means allowing people to transcend their biologically limited capacities with up-to-date technology and upgrading their bodies.

—Umur Karan and Osman Elbek

In 1957, biologist Julian Huxley, brother of Aldous, coined the term "transhumanism" for the idea that we should use technology to transcend the limitations of our bodies and brains.

—James Hughes

… extreme transhumanism which is effectively seeking salvation in the machine, seeking god in the machine, outsourcing evolution of the human to the machine.

—Matthew James Bailey, speaking on Coast to Coast

transhumanist

tran(t)s-ˈhyü-mə-nist 

tranz-, 

-ˈyü-

noun

plural transhumanists

CRISPR's rapid spread has also fueled a DIY biotech movement among transhumanists and biohackers interested in using biotechnology for human enhancement.

—John P. Ruehl

transhumanist adjective

… experts warn against the "distracted" ideas promoted by … billionaires seeking a transhumanist workaround to nature's planned obsolescence of the human body.

—Alfonso Maruccia

Examples of transhumanism in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Its debut project is the transhumanism docuseries Vitruvian Scumbag. — Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 2 June 2026

The encyclical rejects two philosophies espoused by some in Silicon Valley—transhumanism and posthumanism—that see technology as a means to augment or perfect people. — Francis X. Rocca, The Atlantic, 25 May 2026

The thick atmosphere of the underwater PATHOS-II research facility has a lot to do with it, but the game's gruesome take on AI and transhumanism is the reason it's still being talked about over a decade after launch. — Fran Ruiz, Space.com, 1 Mar. 2026

Word History

Etymology

trans- + human entry 1 + -ism

Note: The word was introduced by Julian huxley in the essay "Transhumanism," published in New Bottles for New Wine: Essays by Julian Huxley (London, 1957), p. 17.

First Known Use

1957, in the meaning defined above