Man
/mæn/
Definitions
3 meaningsAn adult male human.
/mæn/
An adult male human being.
The man sat down on the bench.
💡 Simply: A 'man' is a grown-up boy! Like your dad, your uncle, or the guy who works at the grocery store. He's usually taller and has a deeper voice. For example, "The man was carrying groceries."
👶 For kids: A man is a grown-up boy.
More Examples
That man is my father.
She married a good man.
How It's Used
"The man walked down the street."
"He is a good man."
Human beings collectively; the human race.
/mæn/
Human beings in general.
Man has evolved over millions of years.
💡 Simply: 'Man' can also mean everyone! Like all the people in the world, both men and women. For example, "Man has always wanted to fly."
👶 For kids: Man can mean all the people in the world.
More Examples
The history of man is a long and complex one.
How It's Used
"The history of man."
"The nature of man is complex."
To provide (a place, vehicle, etc.) with people who will work or operate it.
/mæn/
To staff or supply with men.
They manned the posts throughout the night.
💡 Simply: To 'man' something means to put people in it to operate or work it. Like, "We need to man the phones to take orders!"
👶 For kids: To man something means to put people in a place to do a job.
More Examples
The officers manned the watchtower.
How It's Used
"To man the barricades."
"To man the ship."
Synonyms
Bloke
Chap
Gentleman
Guy
Male
Humanity
Humankind
Fill
Idioms & expressions
man of the house
The male head of a household.
"After his father died, he became the man of the house."
man up
To behave in a brave, mature or responsible way.
"He needs to man up and face his responsibilities."
a good man
A person of good character and moral standing.
"He was considered a good man by all who knew him."
From Old English *mann*, from Proto-Germanic *mannaz* (source also of Old Saxon *mann*, Old High German *man*, Old Norse *maðr*, Gothic *manna*), from Proto-Indo-European *man- (human being).
The word 'man' has been used for centuries, evolving from its Old English origins to encompass a wide range of meanings.