humane society

American  

noun

humane societies plural

1. (often initial capital letter) an organization devoted to promoting humane ideals, especially with reference to the treatment of animals.

---

humane society British  

noun

1. an organization for promotion of humane ideals, esp in dealing with animals

---

Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• humane societies
  plural

Etymology

Origin of humane society

First recorded in 1770–80

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

humane society

A drop of existential awareness may even make us a more humane society.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 16, 2025

The cub was initially treated at Serrano Animal and Bird Hospital in Orange County, before being transferred to the humane society for his long-term rehab.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 29, 2025

It will also mean getting to know your neighbors and joining groups, both small and large, that are defending democracy and a humane society.

From Salon ● Feb. 6, 2025

According to Lake Station ordinance, the humane society may confine any dog who is “ill, injured, or otherwise in need of care” or “reasonably believed to have been abused or neglected.”

From Seattle Times ● Jul. 29, 2023

Liyana asked her mother, “Do they have a humane society here?”

From "Habibi" by Naomi Shihab Nye