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Synonyms

human being

American  

noun

  1. any individual of the genus Homo, especially a member of the species Homo sapiens.

  2. 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.


human being British  

noun

  1. a member of any of the races of Homo sapiens; person; man, woman, or child

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

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.

"You always have those doubts, you're just a human being."

From BBC • Jun. 8, 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

Obviously I had a lot of love for it, but that was also a time in my life when, as a human being, I was quite lost and angry.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 4, 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

A human being could squeeze in almost anywhere.

From "The Mona Lisa Vanishes" by Nicholas Day

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