human rights

plural noun

: rights (such as freedom from unlawful imprisonment, torture, and execution) regarded as belonging fundamentally to all persons

Examples of human rights in a Sentence

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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.
But there is far less concern about the war’s effect on Palestinians; only a small number of Israeli human rights groups say Israel has committed genocide in Gaza. — Dalia Dassa Kaye, Foreign Affairs, 27 Oct. 2026 Supporters say the decision has far-reaching implications for human rights in Pakistan and for the country's standing on the international stage. — Beth Bailey, FOXNews.com, 27 Oct. 2026 Cognyte, an Israeli corporation, has been accused by human rights groups of doing business with governments, including Israel, that use the tech to target adversaries and opponents. — Josephine Stratman, New York Daily News, 27 Oct. 2026 The report concludes that Russia violated the recruits’ fundamental human rights, including the rights to life, freedom, health, and to be treated humanely. — Ivana Kottasová, CNN Money, 26 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for human rights

Word History

First Known Use

1629, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of human rights was in 1629

Rhymes for human rights

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Browse Nearby Words

human right
human rights
human rights abuse
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Cite this Entry

“Human rights.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/human%20rights. Accessed 29 Oct. 2026.

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Legal Definition

human rights

noun plural
: rights (as freedom from unlawful imprisonment, torture, and execution) regarded as belonging fundamentally to all people

More from Merriam-Webster on human rights

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about human rights

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