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.
Finding and realizing that AI has become sentient is their means of contributing to the betterment of humankind. Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 10 July 2025 The three most colossal creatures across land, sea and air within that tropical biosphere hold, in their DNA, the key to a drug that will bring miraculous life-saving benefits to humankind. Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 1 July 2025 In theaters July 2, Jurassic World Rebirth stars Scarlett Johansson as Zora Bennett, a military and private security vet who is tapped to lead an expedition to an island research facility for the original Jurassic Park to extract dinosaur DNA that could provide life-saving benefits for humankind. EW.com, 26 June 2025 The three most colossal creatures within that tropical biosphere hold the key to a drug that will bring miraculous life-saving benefits to humankind. Jay Stahl, USA Today, 19 June 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 16 Jul. 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

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