They
/ðeɪ/noun
A pronoun used to refer to two or more people or things previously mentioned or easily identified.
Did you know?The use of 'they' as a singular pronoun has roots in 14th-century English, reflecting a complex relationship with identity and gender that is only now being fully embraced.
Etymological Timeline
Old English
OE
þā
“A demonstrative pronoun meaning 'those'.”
Middle English
ME
they
“A plural pronoun emerging from earlier forms, used to refer to people.”
14th Century
ME
they
“Solidified usage as a pronoun for individuals of unspecified gender.”
Modern English
English
they
“Continues to evolve in usage, gaining acceptance as a singular gender-neutral pronoun.”