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 organization also advocates for humane sheltering, quality veterinary treatment and educating the general public about caring for dogs, according to its website. Rachel Raposas, People.com, 26 Nov. 2024 The dog that was left at the humane society, known as Brenda, had very distinct scarring on her back, officials at the humane society told WPVI. Fernando Cervantes Jr., USA TODAY, 20 Nov. 2024 Figures compiled by the Shelter Animals Count, the national database for animal rescues, shelters and humane societies, show that last year 177,000 additional dogs and cats were in the U.S. shelter system compared with 2022. Matt Robison, Newsweek, 20 Nov. 2024 Expand legal pathways for immigrants Campaigning in Douglas, Ariz. in September, Harris said that the country doesn’t have to choose between securing the border and making the immigration system more orderly and humane. Brian Bennett, TIME, 3 Nov. 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 2 Dec. 2024.

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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