human being
Americannoun
-
any individual of the genus Homo, especially a member of the species Homo sapiens.
-
a person, especially as distinguished from other animals or as representing the human species.
living conditions not fit for human beings; a very generous human being.
noun
Etymology
Origin of human being
First recorded in 1855–60
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
There is no doubt that only children enjoy some advantages, but as standalones we are denied one of the most powerful lifelong connections that any human being can have.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 9, 2026
“You would think that a human being with a shred of dignity would recoil from this thing,” Oswalt said.
From Salon • Jun. 8, 2026
"They just chased us away like dogs... that is unfair because, actually, I'm a human being," the 32-year-old said.
From Barron's • Jun. 3, 2026
But the person who came up with that ad campaign or approved it, somewhere along the line, there was a human being behind that.
From Los Angeles Times • May 21, 2026
It is something every human being wonders, probably, at some point or another.
From "A Heart in a Body in the World" by Deb Caletti
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
