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pron

themself

thehm-SEHLF

Themself (pron) means the reflexive form of "they" used for a single person of unspecified or non-binary gender. Example: “Each guest should introduce themself when they arrive.”

pron
1
The reflexive form of "they" used for a single person of unspecified or non-binary gender.
"Each guest should introduce themself when they arrive."

How to use themself

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA reflexive pronoun for one person whose gender isn't specified or who identifies as non-binary — like "themselves" but for one person.

Common mistake

Don't confuse with "themselves," which is used for groups (or, in older usage, generically for a single unspecified person).

Easily confused with

Word forms

of they singular

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

Each guest should introduce _____ when they arrive.

Etymology

From them + self, on the pattern of himself/herself, formed to match singular "they."

themselves theirself theirselves himself herself thonself other attested gender-neutral pronouns

Related words

Frequently asked questions

What does “themself” mean?

The word “themself” means the reflexive form of "they" used for a single person of unspecified or non-binary gender. In plain terms, a reflexive pronoun for one person whose gender isn't specified or who identifies as non-binary — like "themselves" but for one person.

How do you pronounce “themself”?

“Themself” is pronounced thehm-SEHLF (/ðɛmˈsɛlf/ in IPA).

How do you use “themself” in a sentence?

Here is “themself” used in a sentence: “Each guest should introduce themself when they arrive.”

What is another word for “themself”?

Words with a similar meaning to “themself” include themselves, theirself, theirselves, himself, herself and thonself.

What part of speech is “themself”?

“Themself” is a pronoun.

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