they

they · pronoun

imported

Definitions

pronoun

  1. 1.

    Used to refer to two or more people or things previously mentioned or easily identified.

  2. 2.

    Used to refer to a person of unspecified gender (singular they).

  3. 3.

    Used to refer to people in general.

  4. 4.

    Used to refer to a group of people in authority.

Related words

Antonyms: we
See also: their, theirs, them

Etymology

From Old Norse "their" (they), which replaced the Old English "hie" or "hi." This adoption of Scandinavian pronouns occurred during the period of Viking settlement and influence in England. The singular use for unspecified gender has been documented since at least the 14th century and has become widely accepted.