English Reference
noun · verb · interjection

man

n. · v. · interj.
US /ˈmæn/ UK /mˈæn/ man UK spelling man's, man's

  1. 01 A1 Beginner

    n.an adult male human being.

    n.an adult male human.

    Simple

    A tall man in a dark suit was waiting at the bus stop.

    In context

    The man approached the podium with a stack of documents, ready to present his findings to the board of directors.

  2. 02 B2 Upper Intermediate FormalLiterary Anthropology

    n.all human beings as a group, including men and women.

    n.the human race or species collectively. Often used without an article in this sense.

    Simple

    The history of man is full of great inventions and discoveries.

    In context

    Philosophers have long debated the inherent nature of man and whether our species is naturally inclined toward cooperation or conflict.

    Teacher's tip

    Modern writers often prefer 'humankind' or 'humanity' to be more inclusive of all genders.

  3. 03 B1 Intermediate Informal

    n.a word you use when talking to a friend or someone you know, often to show you are surprised or annoyed.

    n.a vocative used to address a person, typically male, often expressing familiarity, impatience, or emphasis.

    Simple

    Look, man, I told you I would be late for dinner.

    In context

    I don't know what to tell you, man; we've already tried every possible solution to fix the server error.

  4. 04 B2 Upper Intermediate

    v.to provide the people needed to operate or guard something.

    v.to supply with a crew or staff; to station people at a place for work or defense.

    Simple

    The company needs to man the help desk twenty-four hours a day.

    In context

    Volunteers were recruited to man the emergency phone lines during the peak of the storm.

  5. 05 B1 Intermediate Informal

    interj.a word used to show strong feeling, like surprise, excitement, or disappointment.

    interj.an exclamatory particle used to add emphasis to a statement.

    Simple

    Man, that was a long meeting.

    In context

    Man, I can't believe we actually finished the project ahead of the deadline.

Usage man named · man came · man charged

This entry
Level A1 · Beginner
Frequency Very common
Updated