humanitarian

noun

hu·​man·​i·​tar·​i·​an hyü-ˌma-nə-ˈter-ē-ən How to pronounce humanitarian (audio)
yü-
: a person promoting human welfare and social reform : philanthropist
recognized as a great humanitarian for her work to end world hunger
humanitarian adjective
humanitarianism noun

Examples of humanitarian in a Sentence

She has been recognized as a great humanitarian for her efforts to end world hunger.
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.
However, the need to divide the contributions of Diana's two sons to a charity cause that honors her legacy as a humanitarian has also served to underscore how deep their rift has become. Mark R. Weaver, Newsweek, 4 Dec. 2024 Throughout Jolie's career, she's proven herself quite versatile by acting on screen across many genres, directing several films of her own, producing Broadway's Tony-winning The Outsiders, working as a humanitarian and raising six children. Jack Irvin, People.com, 3 Dec. 2024 For one remarkable week in June 2016, Louisville was the focus of ceremonies honoring the three-time heavyweight boxing champion and humanitarian known as The Greatest. Bruce Schreiner, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 Apr. 2024 The two-bedroom, one-bathroom house in Louisville was converted into a museum that offered a glimpse into the formative years of the boxing champion and humanitarian known worldwide as The Greatest. Bruce Schreiner, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 June 2024 See all Example Sentences for humanitarian 

Word History

First Known Use

1843, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of humanitarian was in 1843

Dictionary Entries Near humanitarian

Cite this Entry

“Humanitarian.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/humanitarian. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

humanitarian

noun
hu·​man·​i·​tar·​i·​an hyü-ˌman-ə-ˈter-ē-ən How to pronounce humanitarian (audio)
yü-
: a person devoted to or working for the health and happiness of other people
humanitarian adjective
humanitarianism noun
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!