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.
Turner's humane education lesson, featuring two live animals, has become a tradition in the Franklin community over the years. Gabrielle Chenault, The Tennessean, 20 Dec. 2024 While the sheer number of executions in the U.S. has slowed to a trickle, the process has become less humane. Benedict Cosgrove, Newsweek, 18 Dec. 2024 Investing in the complementary potential of a humane human-technology alliance means transforming potential into tangible progress. Cornelia C. Walther, Forbes, 15 Dec. 2024 People interested in environmental causes, healthy eating, and the humane treatment of animals may also be drawn to Kennedy’s statements on the toxicity of modern agriculture and factory farming. Keren Landman, Vox, 10 Dec. 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near humane

Cite this Entry

“Humane.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/humane. Accessed 5 Jan. 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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