themselves

plural pronoun

them·​selves t͟həm-ˈselvz  t͟hem- 

1

a

: those identical ones that are they

—used reflexively, for emphasis, or in absolute constructions

nations that govern themselves

they themselves were present

themselves busy, they disliked idleness in others

compare they sense 1

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, their, theirs, them, themself, and themselves be used to refer to one person?: Usage Guide

Words like everyone, anyone, and someone are typically understood as singular, which means that logically they should be paired with a singular pronoun like him or her. However, neither of the following examples are acceptable to the modern speaker unless the person referred to is known to be male or known to be female:

Everyone should bring his own pencil.

If someone calls, tell her I'll be back soon.

His or her, him or her, and similar combinations were formerly recommended instead, but widely disliked. Fortunately, a simpler solution is available: they—and the related forms them, their, theirs, and themselves—have done the job for centuries, and are now widely accepted.

"… I would have everybody marry if they can do it properly. …"

—Jane Austen

"… it never amuses me to see anybody hurt, no matter what hurts them. …"

—Lucy Maud Montgomery

… And every one to rest themselves betake …

—William Shakespeare

It drizzled a little, shone a little, blew a little, and didn't make up its mind till it was too late for anyone else to make up theirs.

—Louisa May Alcott

I forgot all of that. I was only aware that someone had invoked their right over the body of my son.

—Ta-Nehisi Coates

Additionally, the form themself, which was all but eclipsed by themselves in the late 16th century, has recently seen an increase in use as an alternative to singular themselves.

… the unselfconscious absorption of someone working something out for themself …

—James Lewis Hoberman

They and related forms are also commonly used to refer to someone whose identity is unknown, unspecified, or intentionally not revealed, or to singular nouns that stand for any person or many persons.

The winner will have their artwork placed on display at the U.S. Capitol for the next year.

—Zach Nunn

"Do you suppose you're the only person who does what they say they're going to do?"

—Ida Alexa Ross Wylie

No man goes to battle to be killed.—But they do get killed.

—George Bernard Shaw

I do not believe there is an artist in history who hasn't asked themself—at least once—"Why do I do this?"

—Mary Gabriel

These forms are also often preferred by those whose gender identity is nonbinary.

… as a nonbinary grad student who uses they/them pronouns …

—Maddy Shred

… the Grammy-nominated singer and actor, who last year said they are nonbinary …

—Aidin Vaziri

… uses he and they pronouns and refers to themself as the governor's son …

—Eduardo Medina and Jacey Fortin

Word History

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing themselves

• all to yourself/himself/herself/themselves
• express itself/themselves
• help themselves
• speak for themselves
• take themselves too seriously
• the facts speak for themselves
• to yourself/himself/herself/themselves

Rhymes for themselves

• ourselves
• bookshelves
• yourselves
• delves
• elves
• pelves
• selves
• shelves

Kids Definition

themselves

pronoun

them·​selves t͟həm-ˈselvz 

t͟hem-

1

: their own selves

nations that govern themselves

they themselves were present

2

: their normal or healthy condition

were themselves again after a night's rest