mankind

noun

man·​kind
singular or plural in construction
Synonyms of mankindnext
1
ˈman-ˈkīnd How to pronounce mankind (audio)
-ˌkīnd
 : the human race : the totality of human beings
2
ˈman-ˌkīnd How to pronounce mankind (audio) : men especially as distinguished from women

Synonyms of mankind

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Examples of mankind in a Sentence

all of mankind stands to gain if world peace is ever achieved
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
God has already made us in His image and likeness – perfect, whole – providing us with infinite resources and opportunities to bless mankind. — The Christian Science Monitor, Christian Science Monitor, 28 Aug. 2026 Once-acceptable gendered terms, such as mankind and stewardess, have been replaced with alternatives. — Jo MacKiewicz, The Conversation, 25 Aug. 2026 One of mankind’s most astonishing engineering feats, the canal has served as the connecting point between Pacific and Atlantic travel since 1914. — Demarco Williams, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026 The institute Asher works for has used AI to tap into the memories of the oldest living creatures on earth (the giant sea turtle), unearthing testimony of the long history of mankind’s horrors. — John Warner, Chicago Tribune, 15 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for mankind

Word History

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of mankind was in the 13th century

Rhymes for mankind

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Browse Nearby Words

man-killer
mankind
mankini
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Cite this Entry

“Mankind.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mankind. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

mankind

noun
man·​kind
1
ˈman-ˈkīnd, 
-ˌkīnd
 : the human race : all human beings
2
-ˌkīnd
 : men rather than women

Medical Definition

mankind

noun singular but singular or plural in construction
man·​kind ˈman-ˈkīnd, -ˌkīnd How to pronounce mankind (audio)
: the human race : the totality of human beings

More from Merriam-Webster on mankind

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about mankind

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