humanity
noun
hu·man·i·ty
hyü-ˈma-nə-tē 
yü-
plural humanities
1
: compassionate, sympathetic, or generous behavior or disposition : the quality or state of being humane
bespeaking humanity for the enemy in the midst of a bloody struggle—
C. G. Bowers
C. G. Bowers2
3
humanities plural
: the branches of learning (such as philosophy, arts, or languages) that investigate human constructs (see construct entry 2 sense 1a) and concerns as opposed to natural processes (as in physics or chemistry) and social relations (as in anthropology or economics)
4
: the totality of human beings : the human race : humankind
a fierce compassion for the woes of humanity—Maurice Bowra
Maurice BowraExamples of humanity in a Sentence
We appealed to his sense of humanity.
These discoveries will be of benefit to all humanity.
She was cut off from the rest of humanity.
the college of arts and humanities
He's taking courses in both the sciences and the humanities.
Recent Examples on the Web
How their humanity is depicted onscreen is so relatable and a great asset to the film overall.
—Lynnette Nicholas, Parents, 30 Apr. 2025
Importance of prayer The White Rose movement was concerned not only with the present state of humanity but also with its future, and not only with the individual but also with the communal.
—Peter Nguyen, The Conversation, 30 Apr. 2025
In a statement to THR, Lanier emphasized that the film is a story about humanity.
—Mathew Rodriguez, Them., 29 Apr. 2025
Expecting perfection, or guarding against our own humanity coming through, is also detrimental to our ability to be present for the good parts of the date.
—Myisha Battle, Time, 29 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for humanity
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.
Lynnette Nicholas, Parents, 30 Apr. 2025
Importance of prayer The White Rose movement was concerned not only with the present state of humanity but also with its future, and not only with the individual but also with the communal.
—Peter Nguyen, The Conversation, 30 Apr. 2025
In a statement to THR, Lanier emphasized that the film is a story about humanity.
—Mathew Rodriguez, Them., 29 Apr. 2025
Expecting perfection, or guarding against our own humanity coming through, is also detrimental to our ability to be present for the good parts of the date.
—Myisha Battle, Time, 29 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for humanity
Cite this Entry
“Humanity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/humanity. Accessed 9 May. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
humanity
noun
hu·man·i·ty
hyü-ˈman-ət-ē
yü-
plural humanities
1
: the quality or state of being human or of being humane
2
plural
: studies (as literature, history, and art) concerned primarily with human culture
3
: the whole collection of human beings both past and present
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share