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.
Indeed, attendees on the first Monday in May can more or less count on rubbing shoulders with some of the world’s most famous actors, models, singers, humanitarians—and even politicians. Vogue, 24 Apr. 2025 Normally, Davos is a hotbed of planners and self-congratulatory humanitarians who dream up utopian schemes that then can be imposed from the top down by governments. John Fund, National Review, 4 Feb. 2025 Before former President Jimmy Carter’s passing in December 2024 at the rich age of 100, the humanitarian was nominated for a Grammy for something near and dear to his heart: audio recordings of his final Sunday School lessons at Maranatha Baptist Church in Plains, Georgia. Abigail Wilt, Southern Living, 3 Feb. 2025 Trapped along with 500 people, left to their own devices, the team with the help of Eva, a young French-Afghan humanitarian, must reach the airport at all costs. Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 17 Feb. 2025 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

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Cite this Entry

“Humanitarian.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/humanitarian. Accessed 3 May. 2025.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on humanitarian

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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