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.
There are only 66 short years between 1903, when the Wright Brothers flew the world’s first airplane, and 1969, when mankind landed on the moon. Tomris Laffly, Variety, 28 Sep. 2025 Prudence, indeed, will dictate that governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shown that mankind are more disposed to suffer. Liz Tracey, JSTOR Daily, 26 Sep. 2025 One of the freakiest shoes in the history of mankind, Martin Margiela's Tabi shoe (born at his 1988 runway show) was inspired by the Japanese split-toe socks that date back to the 15th century. Margaux Anbouba, Vogue, 24 Sep. 2025 Routh, who is representing himself, gave an opening statement on the history of mankind and current geopolitical conflicts before the judge ultimately cut him off. Kinsey Crowley, USA Today, 15 Sep. 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 6 Oct. 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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