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 humane society is in the Hickory area, a roughly 55-mile drive northwest from Charlotte. Simone Jasper, Charlotte Observer, 22 Apr. 2025 Officers then set a humane trap to catch the third Great Dane the next day and took him to the Humane Colorado buddy center to reunite with his friends. Brooke Baitinger, Sacbee.com, 21 Apr. 2025 But this quiet and humane moment belies the broader urgency of its context. Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 19 Apr. 2025 Drop off items for Naperville humane society at Menards Donations of pet food, treats, collars, beds and other items to benefit the Naperville Area Humane Society can be dropped off at the Menards in Naperville through the end of May. Michelle Mullins, Chicago Tribune, 16 Apr. 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 30 Apr. 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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