# homo

/ˈhoʊmoʊ/ (US) · /hˈəʊməʊ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/homo
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Senses

### 1. biological genus

noun · CEFR B2 · Technical

the scientific name for the group that includes modern humans and their extinct relatives.

For teachers: the biological genus of hominids which includes modern humans (Homo sapiens) and several extinct species.

- Scientists study the evolution of the genus Homo to understand where we came from.
- The fossil record provides evidence of several distinct species within the genus Homo that coexisted in Africa millions of years ago.

Usage: Always capitalized when referring to the biological genus.

## Examples

- The use of the word homo in the workplace resulted in immediate disciplinary action due to its offensive nature.
- While some activists have attempted to reclaim various slurs, the term homo remains deeply offensive to many and is generally excluded from polite or professional discourse.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.