What does nonhuman mean?
Nonhuman means other than human, especially when describing an animal, organism, form of intelligence, or entity that is not a person. The adjective is common in discussions of animal welfare, scientific research, robotics, and the rights of nonhuman beings. Saying “nonhuman animal” can sometimes be useful for emphasis, although “animal” is usually sufficient when people are already excluded from the comparison. As a noun, a nonhuman is any being or entity that is not human; this use is especially associated with philosophy, law, science, and discussions of artificial intelligence. The term often marks a distinction between people and the rest of the world of living things, but it is broad enough to include organisms, machines, and other entities. Because “human” can function both as a noun and an adjective, nonhuman can do the same.
Not human; belonging to a species, organism, or entity other than humans.
"The sanctuary provides a permanent home for nonhuman animals."
Common in scientific, ethical, and ecological contexts. It may be redundant in phrases such as “nonhuman animal” when the contrast with humans needs to be explicit.
A being or entity that is not human.
"The committee debated whether the artificial system should be regarded as a nonhuman."
Primarily used in formal, philosophical, scientific, or legal discussion.
The regular plural is used when referring to nonhuman beings collectively or individually.
"Some nonhumans communicate through forms of intelligence that differ markedly from human language."
Nonhuman spans an enormous range of existence—from amoebas to artificial intelligence—and is often used when ethics, cognition, or rights extend beyond people.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of nonhuman
Nonhuman combines the Latin-derived prefix non-, meaning “not,” with human. Human entered English through Old French humein, ultimately from Latin humanus, meaning “human” or “humane,” which is related to Latin homō, “human being.” The compound arose as a way of distinguishing people from animals, machines, and other entities. It later expanded in philosophical and scientific usage to questions concerning nonhuman animals, intelligence, and rights.
How nonhuman is actually used
Nonhuman is most often used with animals, living organisms, intelligence, rights, and research subjects. As a noun, it is chiefly used in philosophical, scientific, and legal contexts and may sound less natural than the adjective. The unhyphenated spelling is standard, although “non-human” is also encountered.
Easily confused with nonhuman
Nonhuman means not belonging to the human species, whereas humanoid describes a physical form resembling a human.