human
/ˈhjuː.mən/ · hu·man
noun
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A human being, whether man, woman or child. Humans share common ancestors with other apes.
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A person, especially one considered to be of a specified age or stage of development. The human child learned to walk at the age of two.
verb
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To behave as or become, or to cause to behave as or become, a human. The robot was programmed to human and interact with its environment.
adjective
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Of or belonging to the species Homo sapiens or its closest relatives. The human population has been growing rapidly over the past century.
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Having the nature or attributes of a human being. To err is human; to forgive, divine.
Etymology
The word 'human' comes from the Latin 'humanus', derived from 'humus', meaning earth or ground. This etymology reflects the ancient Greeks' and Romans' understanding of humans as being connected to the earth and their place within the natural world.
Did you know? The word 'human' has been used in various contexts throughout history, including in the title of the famous novel 'The Human Comedy' by Honoré de Balzac, which explores the complexities of human nature and society.
Written by Lexi Wordsworth, Dictionary Editor
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Added Jul 14, 2026