humanitarian
Americanadjective
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having concern for or helping to improve the welfare and happiness of people.
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of or relating to ethical or theological humanitarianism.
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pertaining to the saving of human lives or to the alleviation of suffering.
a humanitarian crisis.
noun
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a person actively engaged in promoting human welfare and social reforms, as a philanthropist.
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a person who professes ethical or theological humanitarianism.
adjective
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having the interests of mankind at heart
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of or relating to ethical or theological humanitarianism
noun
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a philanthropist
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an adherent of humanitarianism
Other Word Forms
- antihumanitarian adjective
- semihumanitarian adjective
- unhumanitarian adjective
Etymology
Origin of humanitarian
First recorded in 1810–20; humanit(y) + -arian
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.
The UN's humanitarian affairs office says 52 health workers have also been killed.
From BBC • Mar. 31, 2026
“Mexico has every right to send fuel for humanitarian or commercial reasons,” she said, adding that private companies have approached Mexico’s state oil company to sell fuel to the Cuban private sector.
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 30, 2026
"We allowed this ship to reach Cuba in order to provide humanitarian needs to the Cuban people. These decisions are being made on a case-by-case basis," she said.
From Barron's • Mar. 30, 2026
A humanitarian aid convoy brought more than 50 tonnes of medicine, food, solar panels and other goods to Cuba by air and sea in recent days.
From Barron's • Mar. 29, 2026
“Not if the persons primary achievement is playing a sport. But if you can make a case for their significant contribution to history, like through activism or humanitarian works, then maybe.”
From "Amina's Song" by Hena Khan
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.
