1
a
: a group united by common traits or interests : category
b
: a specific or recognized variety
what kind of car do you drive
c
: a doubtful or barely admissible member of a category
a kind of gray
2
: fundamental nature or quality : essence
a difference in degree but not in kind
3
a
: goods or commodities as distinguished from money
payment in kind
b
: the equivalent of what has been offered or received
promised to return the favor in kind
5
archaic
: manner
1
a
: of a sympathetic or helpful nature
was helped by a kind neighbor
They were very kind to us.
b
: of a forbearing nature : gentle
kind treatment of animals
c
: arising from or characterized by sympathy or forbearance
a kind act
a kind smile
2
: of a kind to give pleasure or relief
cooled by a kind breeze
3
chiefly dialectal
: affectionate, loving
Synonyms
Examples of kind in a Sentence
Noun
hawks and other birds of that kind
In this city, you'll find many kinds of people.
I like to try different kinds of food.
She described the color as a kind of red.
I think he's an accountant, financial adviser, or something of that kind.
Adjective
A kind old woman took the cat in and nursed it back to health.
It was very kind of you to show me the way.
Thank you for your kind words.
Recent Examples on the Web
Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 22 Nov. 2024
Not an obvious, overpowering kind—something much subtler, like a little cut that refuses to heal.
—Jackson Arn, The New Yorker, 21 Nov. 2024
Sho Dewan, Forbes, 27 Nov. 2024
Reviewers haven’t been kind to Moana 2, compared to the first film, but that doesn’t seem to be impacting interest.
—Pamela McClintock, The Hollywood Reporter, 27 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for kind 
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show current usage.
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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Noun
Live music of a different kind provides the atmosphere at the award-winning Sola Jazz Lounge.
—Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 22 Nov. 2024
Not an obvious, overpowering kind—something much subtler, like a little cut that refuses to heal.
—Jackson Arn, The New Yorker, 21 Nov. 2024
Adjective
Ride the wave by being a little kinder to yourself, pursuing an active lifestyle, establishing boundaries, building a supportive network, and seeking professional support.
—Sho Dewan, Forbes, 27 Nov. 2024
Reviewers haven’t been kind to Moana 2, compared to the first film, but that doesn’t seem to be impacting interest.
—Pamela McClintock, The Hollywood Reporter, 27 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for kind
Dictionary Entries Near kind
Cite this Entry
“Kind.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/kind. Accessed 30 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
kind
1 of 2 noun1
a
: a group united by common traits or interests : category
hawks and other birds of their kind
b
: variety sense 3a
all kinds of people
what kind of car do you have
c
: one that is barely a member of a category
a kind of gray
2
: essential quality or character
differences in kind
3
a
: goods as distinguished from money
payment in kind rather than in cash
b
: something equal to what has been offered or received
returned the favor in kind
kind
2 of 2 adjective1
: wanting and liking to do good and to bring happiness to others
2
: showing or growing out of gentleness or goodness of heart
a kind act
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