1
: of, relating to, or characteristic of humans (see human entry 2)
the human brain
human voices
problems that have occurred throughout human history
2
: consisting of or involving humans
everyone held hands and made a human chain
human interactions
human spaceflight
3
a
: having human form or attributes
the statue is more human than the beings at his feet—
Clifton Fadiman
Clifton Fadiman
b
: representative of or susceptible to the sympathies and frailties of human nature
human kindness
a human weakness
such an inconsistency is very human—P. E. More
P. E. More
: a bipedal primate mammal (Homo sapiens) : a person : man sense 1c
—usually plural
a disease that affects both humans and animals
incomprehensible to us humans—William James
William JamesSynonyms
Adjective
Noun
Examples of human in a Sentence
Adjective
problems that have occurred throughout human history
She is a very kind and human person.
The dog's expression was almost human.
The assembly line was a human machine.
Everyone held hands and formed a human chain.
Noun
humans are the only mammals not endowed with a natural defense against the elements, such as fur or a thick hide
Recent Examples on the Web
Korin Miller, Health, 2 Nov. 2024
These gases contain pollutants, such as carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and unburned fuel, that are harmful to human health, as well as carbon dioxide, which warms Earth’s atmosphere.
—Michael Leamy, Discover Magazine, 2 Nov. 2024
Wendy Wisner, Health, 3 Nov. 2024
Better understanding the history of humans voting with their feet will hopefully inspire leaders and individual contributors alike to be more intentional about where, when and how to work.
—Phil Kirschner, Forbes, 3 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for human 
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Adjective
Research hasn’t looked at the effects of cayenne pepper water on human health, but there is some research to support the use of capsaicin, the active compound in cayenne.
—Korin Miller, Health, 2 Nov. 2024
These gases contain pollutants, such as carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and unburned fuel, that are harmful to human health, as well as carbon dioxide, which warms Earth’s atmosphere.
—Michael Leamy, Discover Magazine, 2 Nov. 2024
Noun
Three types of lice impact humans: head lice, body lice, and pubic lice.
—Wendy Wisner, Health, 3 Nov. 2024
Better understanding the history of humans voting with their feet will hopefully inspire leaders and individual contributors alike to be more intentional about where, when and how to work.
—Phil Kirschner, Forbes, 3 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for human
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Dictionary Entries Near human
Cite this Entry
“Human.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/human. Accessed 10 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
human
1 of 2 adjective
hu·man
ˈhyü-mən 
ˈyü-
1
: relating to or characteristic of human beings
especially
: showing qualities typical of human beings
a human failing
2
: consisting of or involving human beings
human spaceflight
3
: having human form or characteristics
the dog's expression was almost human
Medical Definition
1
a
: of, relating to, or characteristic of humans
the human body
human biochemistry
b
: primarily or usually harbored by, affecting, or attacking humans
human diseases
human parasites
2
: being or consisting of humans
the human race
3
: consisting of members of the genus Homo
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