always used before a noun
1
—used to say that something belongs or relates to a particular person or thing and to no other —always used after a possessive (such as "my," "your," or "their")
We each had our own book.
The star of the show needs his own private dressing room.
Each of the houses is beautiful in its own way.
His novel is based on his own personal experiences.
"In my own experience," she said, "I have found that women are better workers than men."
My father built this boat with his own (two) hands.
I've got my own problems; I don't have time to listen to yours.
She had her own reasons for not wanting to go.
Mind your own business! This has nothing to do with you!
I don't like punishing you, but it's for your own good.
It's your own fault that you failed the test. You should have studied more.
He's too old for her. Why doesn't she date someone her own age? [=someone who is the same age as her]
I now have my very own office!
2
—used to stress the fact that a person does or makes something without the help of other people —always used after a possessive
She's always dreamed of starting her own business.
They built their own home.
I'm going out tonight, so you'll have to cook your own dinner.
He acted as his own lawyer during the trial.
: something or someone that belongs or relates to a particular person or thing and to no other
—always used after a possessive (such as "my," "your," "their," or "Joe's")
The teacher gave out books so that each of us had our own.
Do you want to share a bag of popcorn, or should we each get our own?
He loves children and would like one of his own someday.
We've got problems of our own.
I have a few ideas of my own.
The Senator's views are entirely his own and do not represent those of his party.
The band has a style all its own. [=no other band has the same style]
I don't need much—just a little place to call my own. [=just a little place that belongs only to me]
The apartment isn't much, but she's made it her own. [=she has changed it to suit her; she has personalized it]
Through no fault of their own, these children are forced to live in poverty.
When you're a little older, you can have a bike of your very own.
owns; owned; owning
1
not used in progressive tenses
: to have (something) as property : to legally possess (something)
We hope to someday own our own home.
She drives a red truck that was originally owned by her grandfather.
He owns the rights to the band's music.
a publicly/privately owned company
The couple owns and operates the business.
(disapproving) He walks/struts around here like he owns the place. [=like someone who has the right to tell other people what to do]
2
old-fashioned
: to admit that something is true
After everyone else denied any responsibility, he owned that he was at fault.
—usually + toHe would not own to the mistake. [=he would not admit the mistake]
Cite this Entry
“Own.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/own. Accessed 20 Jun. 2026.
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