humankind

noun

hu·​man·​kind ˈhyü-mən-ˌkīnd How to pronounce humankind (audio) ˈyü- How to pronounce humankind (audio)
singular or plural in construction
: the human race : humanity

Examples of humankind in a Sentence

all humankind shares the desire for peace perhaps someday humankind will find the key that unlocks the mystery of the universe
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.
Emotional Connection Emotions are the essence of humankind that AI automation lacks. Anna Anisin, Forbes.com, 15 Apr. 2025 But maybe the scariest monster of all… is humankind?? ArsTechnica, 14 Apr. 2025 Among the 5,500-plus worlds known to humankind so far, Kepler contributed to the discovery of half of that tally. Shi En Kim, Smithsonian Magazine, 1 Apr. 2025 Those rates are significantly below the 95 percent threshold needed to block the onward community spread of measles—one of the most infectious viruses known to humankind. Ars Technica, 21 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for humankind

Word History

First Known Use

1560, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of humankind was in 1560

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Cite this Entry

“Humankind.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/humankind. Accessed 23 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

humankind

noun
hu·​man·​kind ˈhyü-mən-ˌkīnd How to pronounce humankind (audio)
ˈyü-

Medical Definition

humankind

noun
hu·​man·​kind ˈhyü-mən-ˌkīnd How to pronounce humankind (audio) ˈyü How to pronounce humankind (audio)
: the human race

More from Merriam-Webster on humankind

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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