ourselves

plural pronoun

our·​selves är-ˈselvz How to pronounce ourselves (audio)
au̇(-ə)r-
1
: those identical ones that are we
used reflexively
we're doing it solely for ourselves
, for emphasis
we ourselves will never go
, or in absolute constructions
ourselves no longer young, we can sympathize with those who are old
compare we sense 1
2
: our normal, healthy, or sane condition
just not ourselves today

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of ourselves was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near ourselves

Cite this Entry

“Ourselves.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ourselves. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

ourselves

plural pronoun
our·​selves är-ˈselvz How to pronounce ourselves (audio)
au̇(ə)r-
1
: our own selves
used for emphasis or to show that the subject and object of the verb are the same
we amused ourselves
we did it ourselves
2
: our normal or healthy selves
just not ourselves today

More from Merriam-Webster on ourselves

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