sapiens

adjective

sa·​pi·​ens ˈsa-pē-ənz How to pronounce sapiens (audio)
ˈsā-,
-ˌenz
: of, relating to, or being recent humans (Homo sapiens) as distinguished from various fossil hominids

Examples of sapiens in a Sentence

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.
Additionally, there’s evidence, especially in North America and Siberia, of H. sapiens hunting megafauna. — Sara Novak, Discover Magazine, 10 Jan. 2023 The authors suggest fossils found at other Israeli sites, including the famous Lady of Tabun, might also be part of this new human population, in contrast to their previous Neanderthal or H. sapiens identification. — Michelle Langley, Discover Magazine, 10 July 2021

Word History

Etymology

New Latin (specific epithet of Homo sapiens), from Latin, present participle of sapere

First Known Use

1939, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of sapiens was in 1939

Phrases Containing sapiens

Browse Nearby Words

sapience
sapiens
sapient
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Cite this Entry

“Sapiens.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sapiens. Accessed 13 Apr. 2025.

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Medical Definition

sapiens

see homo sapiens
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