themselves

plural pronoun

them·selves | \ t͟həm-ˈselvz, t͟hem-

Definition of themselves

1a : those identical ones that are they — compare they sense 1 —used reflexively, for emphasis, or in absolute constructions nations that govern themselvesthey themselves were presentthemselves busy, they disliked idleness in others

b : himself or herself : himself, herself —used with an indefinite third person singular antecedent nobody can call themselves oppressed— Leonard Wibberley

2 : their normal, healthy, or sane condition were themselves again after a night's rest

Can they be used as an indefinite subject?: Usage Guide Phrases Containing themselves Learn More About themselves

Can they, their, them, and themselves be used as singular pronouns?: Usage Guide

They, their, them, themselves: English lacks a common-gender third person singular pronoun that can be used to refer to indefinite pronouns (such as everyone, anyone, someone). Writers and speakers have supplied this lack by using the plural pronouns. and every one to rest themselves betake — William Shakespeare I would have everybody marry if they can do it properly — Jane Austen it is too hideous for anyone in their senses to buy — W. H. Auden The plural pronouns have also been put to use as pronouns of indefinite number to refer to singular nouns that stand for many persons. 'tis meet that some more audience than a mother, since nature makes them partial, should o'erhear the speech — William Shakespeare a person can't help their birth — W. M. Thackeray no man goes to battle to be killed.—But they do get killed — G. B. Shaw The use of they, their, them, and themselves as pronouns of indefinite gender and indefinite number is well established in speech and writing, even in literary and formal contexts. In recent years, these pronouns have also been adopted by individuals whose gender identity is nonbinary, as illustrated in sense 3d above.