they

 
Pronunciation: /ðeɪ/

pronoun

[third person plural]
  • 1used to refer to two or more people or things previously mentioned or easily identified: the two men could get life sentences if they are convicted
  • people in general: the rest, as they say, is history
  • informal people in authority regarded collectively: they cut my water off
  • 2 [singular] used to refer to a person of unspecified sex: ask a friend if they could help

Origin:

Middle English: from Old Norse their, nominative plural masculine of sá; related to them and their, also to that and the

The word they (with its counterparts them, their, and themselves) as a singular pronoun to refer to a person of unspecified sex has been used since at least the 16th century. In the late 20th century, as the traditional use of he to refer to a person of either sex came under scrutiny on the grounds of sexism, this use of they became more common. It is now generally accepted in contexts where it follows an indefinite pronoun such as anyone, no one, someone, or a person, as in anyone can join if they are a resident and each to their own. In other contexts, coming after singular nouns, the use of they is now common, though less widely accepted, especially in formal contexts. Sentences such as ask a friend if they could help are still criticized for being ungrammatical. Nevertheless, in view of the growing acceptance of they and its obvious practical advantages, they is used in this dictionary in many cases where he would have been used formerly. See also he (usage) and she (usage).