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 An active student humanitarian Since his college days, Sharma has been using his technical skills to give back to communities around the world. IEEE Spectrum, 24 Sep. 2023 Abbott seems not to be moved by the idea that the government has legal, or humanitarian, responsibilities to people crossing the border. Rachel Monroe, The New Yorker, 8 Feb. 2024 Khan, the humanitarian, said the process is essentially paralyzed; weeks pass without movement on Ukrainian evacuations. Anastacia Galouchka, Washington Post, 7 Feb. 2024 Yet even as much of the world urged Israel to ease the humanitarian in Gaza, the United Nations turned to investigate the main aid agency for Palestinians in the territory, prompted by Israel’s accusation that 12 agency employees had joined the Oct. 7 attack or its aftermath. Michael Levenson, New York Times, 5 Feb. 2024 For example, Manny Mota was a good player and has spent years as a Dodgers coach and a humanitarian. Houston Mitchell, Los Angeles Times, 22 Jan. 2024 What flourished in the near-century to follow was a partnership that won the Georgia governor’s office, the White House, and then propelled the Carters through four decades as global humanitarians. Bill Barrow, The Christian Science Monitor, 26 Nov. 2023 Headline of the day Rosalynn Carter, former first lady and tireless humanitarian, dies at 96 Carter devoted herself to several social causes in her public life, including programs that supported health care resources, human rights, social justice and the needs of elderly people. Mark Murray, NBC News, 20 Nov. 2023 The humanitarian drew particular praise for her electoral instincts, down-to-earth appeal, and work on behalf of the White House, including serving as an envoy to Latin America. Elizabeth Both, NBC News, 20 Nov. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'humanitarian.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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 19 Mar. 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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