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
Though these are superheroes, the screenplay is smartly written to depict down-to-earth family bonds, a unit striving to uphold their values, working together to raise a child, and combining different skillsets for the greater good of humanity.
—Lynnette Nicholas, Parents, 23 July 2025
These deficient traits of humanity and humility are reflected in words like uncaring, vindictive, aloof, disinterested, and disrespectful.
—Mary Crossan, Forbes.com, 23 July 2025
Every single day, trans kids — especially trans kids of color, and especially Black trans kids — are forced to fight for the most basic recognition of their identities, their humanity and their right to exist safely.
—Carly Tagen-Dye, People.com, 22 July 2025
Doing so can ensure that humble experts, who are aware of and transparent about the limits of their expertise, are there to help humanity tackle our world’s most urgent and pressing challenges.
—Lauren Keating, Scientific American, 21 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for humanity
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Lynnette Nicholas, Parents, 23 July 2025
These deficient traits of humanity and humility are reflected in words like uncaring, vindictive, aloof, disinterested, and disrespectful.
—Mary Crossan, Forbes.com, 23 July 2025
Every single day, trans kids — especially trans kids of color, and especially Black trans kids — are forced to fight for the most basic recognition of their identities, their humanity and their right to exist safely.
—Carly Tagen-Dye, People.com, 22 July 2025
Doing so can ensure that humble experts, who are aware of and transparent about the limits of their expertise, are there to help humanity tackle our world’s most urgent and pressing challenges.
—Lauren Keating, Scientific American, 21 July 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 29 Jul. 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
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