1
: that male
—used to indicate a male person or animal that is the subject of a verb
He is my father.
Ask your brother where he is going.
He has been planning this trip since January.
(on the telephone) "Hello, I'd like to speak with Jim." "This is he." [=I (the person who answered the phone) am Jim]
2
: that person
—used in a general sense or when the sex of the person is unknown
Everyone should do the best he can.
Tell whoever is in there that he had better come out.
He who laughs last, laughs best.
Note: This use of he was common in the past but is now often avoided because it is considered sexist.
: a boy, man, or male animal
"Somebody called when you were out, but I can't remember who." "Was it a he or a she?"
—sometimes used in combinationa he-goat
Cite this Entry
“He.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/he. Accessed 15 Jun. 2026.
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