always used before a noun
possessive form of he
1
: relating to or belonging to a certain man, boy, or male animal
He bought his own house.
His house is out in the country.
What is his name?
He sat quietly at his desk.
: made or done by a certain man, boy, or male animal
I would like to read some of his essays.
He was jailed for three years for his crime.
It's his turn to play.
2
—used to refer to a person of either sex in general statements or when the sex of the person is unknown
Each student should do his own work. [=each student should do his or her own work; all students should do their own work]
Note: This use of his was common in the past but is now often avoided because it is considered sexist.
1
: that which belongs to or is connected with him : his one : his ones
The book is his. [=the book belongs to him; it is his book]
My eyes are blue and his are brown.
The red car is mine; his is the green one.
Are you a friend of his? [=are you his friend?]
That face of his [=his face] is hard to forget.
2
British, informal
: his home
Let's go back to his [=his place] after the show.
Cite this Entry
“His.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/his. Accessed 28 Jul. 2026.
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