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.

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humane society British  

noun

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

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Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• humane societies
  plural

Etymology

Origin of humane society

First recorded in 1770–80

Example Sentences

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

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 16, 2025

The humane society is still caring for two orphaned mountain lion cubs that arrived at the Ramona Wildlife Center in late March.

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

Even more, five of the dogs were transported to veterinary hospitals — in ambulances used for people, not in the specialized humane society vans offered on site.

From Seattle Times • Jul. 29, 2023

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

From "Habibi" by Naomi Shihab Nye