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them

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pronoun \ (t͟h)əm , ˈt͟hem , after p , b , v , f also ᵊm \

Definition of them

1 :they 1 —used as object of a verb or preposition
  • took them back
  • gave it to them
2 :those —used especially as antecedent to a relative pronoun
  • the best of them that speak this speech
  • —William Shakespeare
—used as the subject of a verb chiefly in nonstandard speech and for humorous effect
  • them is fighting words
  • objective case of they

See them defined for English-language learners

See them defined for kids

From the M-W Editors

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Recent Examples of them from the Web

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'them.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of them

before 12th century

2

them

play
adjective \ ˈt͟hem \

Definition of them

nonstandard
:those —used chiefly in nonstandard speech and for humorous effect

First Known Use of them

1594

Phrases Related to THEM

Related Phrases

THEM Defined for English Language Learners

them

play
pronoun

Definition of them for English Language Learners

  • —used to refer to certain people, animals, or things as the objects of a verb or preposition

  • : him or her

  • : those

THEM Defined for Kids

them

play
pronoun \ t͟həm , ˈt͟hem \

Definition of them for Students

  • objective case of they

Learn More about them

  1. See words that rhyme with them Spanish Central: Translation of them Nglish: Translation of them for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of them for Arabic speakers

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WORD OF THE DAY

toothsome

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agreeable, attractive, or delicious

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TRENDING NOW

  1. dotage, dotard a state or period of senile decay

  2. otherwise "in other respects"

  3. federalism Graham says bill gives power to states

  4. bodega "Don’t mess with the beloved bodega."

  5. carceral Of, relating to, or suggesting a jail or prison

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