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.
The latter would be a risky choice indeed: Technology that changes nature also threatens humankind and human instincts. Pablo Larios, Artforum, 1 Nov. 2024 Some philosophical questions plague humankind across generations: What is the meaning of life? Mathew Rodriguez, Them, 17 Oct. 2024 What drove humankind belowground, and is there any chance of survival topside? Erik Kain, Forbes, 15 Oct. 2024 The image evokes the pressing need for climate action to manage greenhouse gas emissions and other atmospheric risks to humankind. Samuel Sanders, Smithsonian Magazine, 13 Sep. 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near humankind

Cite this Entry

“Humankind.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/humankind. Accessed 24 Nov. 2024.

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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