humane

adjective

hu·​mane hyü-ˈmān How to pronounce humane (audio)
yü-
1
: marked by compassion, sympathy, or consideration for humans or animals
humane prison guards
a more humane way of treating farm animals
2
: characterized by or tending to broad humanistic culture : humanistic
humane studies
humanely adverb
humaneness noun

Examples of humane in a Sentence

It's not humane to treat animals that way. Conditions in the prison are more humane now.
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.
The most common sources for acquiring dogs include breeders (34%), animal shelters/humane societies (23%), friends/relatives (20%), private parties (12%), and strays (6%). William Lambers, Newsweek, 10 Mar. 2025 The theory was that a smaller facility was more humane. Ron Grossman, Chicago Tribune, 9 Mar. 2025 His brother doesn't agree the method is more humane. CBS News, 7 Mar. 2025 Encounters should be reported to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife at (916) 358-2790, or the nearest animal control department, shelter or humane society. Jia H. Jung, The Mercury News, 7 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for humane

Word History

Etymology

Middle English humain

First Known Use

1552, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of humane was in 1552

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Humane.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/humane. Accessed 13 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

humane

adjective
hu·​mane hyü-ˈmān How to pronounce humane (audio)
yü-
: marked by sympathy or consideration for others
humanely adverb
humaneness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on humane

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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