Homo sapiens

noun

ˌhō-(ˌ)mō-ˈsā-pē-ˌenz How to pronounce Homo sapiens (audio)
Definition of Homo sapiensnext
as in mankind
the human race how far into the outer reaches of the universe will Homo sapiens someday be able to go?

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Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of Homo sapiens As the Neanderthals gradually disappeared around 40,000 years ago—partly due to competition with our own species—Homo sapiens began taking shelter-building in new directions. — Literary Hub, 1 May 2026 Yunxian 2 provides a clearer example of an earlier lineage, suggesting that several major human lineages—Homo sapiens, Neanderthals, and sister species like Homo longi—may have co-existed for hundreds of thousands of years, interacting and potentially interbreeding. — Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 27 Sep. 2025 Homo sapiens are highly socialized animals prone to cooperate when necessary. — Bruce Dorminey, Forbes.com, 25 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for Homo sapiens
  1. mankind
  2. humanity
  3. human
Noun
  • Every technology developed by mankind has been double-edged, and AI is no different.
    — The Week UK, TheWeek, 2 Aug. 2026
  • That experience prompted me to investigate further how mankind knows truth.
    — Suzanne Riedel, Christian Science Monitor, 22 July 2026
Definition of mankind
Noun
  • Roopika Risam is a professor of digital humanities and social engagement at Dartmouth.
    — Big Think, Big Think, 4 Aug. 2026
  • Burch’s brilliantly witty, biting and all-knowing screenplay never satirizes these characters or looks down on them in a movie Jones and his exceptional actors have blessed with sheer humanity and grace.
    — Pete Hammond, Deadline, 3 Aug. 2026
Definition of humanity
Noun
  • But its effect on us humans — and our lives and economies — isn’t straightforward.
    — Andrew Freedman, CNN Money, 4 Aug. 2026
  • Spanning five acres of land, this remote residence has plenty of room for everyone (humans and animals) to stretch their legs after a long drive.
    — Kelsey Mulvey, Vogue, 3 Aug. 2026
Definition of human

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Homo sapiens
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Cite this Entry

“Homo sapiens.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/Homo%20sapiens. Accessed 8 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on Homo sapiens

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about Homo sapiens

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