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.
Quincy Jones, the musical giant who did it all as a record producer, film composer, multi-genre artist, entertainment executive and humanitarian, has died. Jennifer Frederick, The Hollywood Reporter, 4 Nov. 2024 And humanitarians have learned the hard way that relief aid and medical supplies can be hijacked by corrupt governments or violent rebel groups. Benjamin A. Valentino, Foreign Affairs, 17 Oct. 2011 Saab’s intention for the series was to band a community of humanitarians together over a collective love of food to call for a cease-fire, to increase awareness about the war and to raise funds for nonprofit organizations providing aid to those impacted most by the attacks on Gaza. Lyndsay C. Green, Detroit Free Press, 6 Oct. 2024 Legacy Beyond Basketball Beyond his basketball achievements, Mutombo was also recognized as a humanitarian. Casey Murphy, Forbes, 2 Oct. 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 Nov. 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
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