herself

pronoun

her·​self (h)ər-ˈself How to pronounce herself (audio)
 Southern also  -ˈsef
1
: that identical female one
used reflexively, for emphasis, in absolute constructions, and in place of her especially when joined to another object
she considers herself lucky
she herself did it
herself an orphan, she understood the situation
accepted the award for her colleagues and herself
compare she entry 1
2
: her normal, healthy, or sane condition or self
3
chiefly Ireland and Scotland : a woman of consequence
especially : the mistress of the house

Examples of herself in a Sentence

She was herself again after a good night's sleep. She's not herself today; something's bothering her.

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of herself was before the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near herself

Cite this Entry

“Herself.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/herself. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

herself

pronoun
her·​self (h)ər-ˈself How to pronounce herself (audio)
1
: that identical female one
used for emphasis or to show that the subject and object of the verb are the same
she considers herself lucky
she herself did it
2
: her normal, healthy, or sane self
was herself again after a good night's sleep

More from Merriam-Webster on herself

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