them

1 of 2

pronoun

(t͟h)əm,
ˈt͟hem How to pronounce them (audio)
 after  p,
b,
v,
f,
 also  ᵊm

objective case of they

1
: they sense 1
used as object of a verb or preposition
took them back
gave it to them
2
: those
used especially as antecedent to a relative pronoun
the best of them that speak this speechWilliam Shakespeare
used as the subject of a verb chiefly in nonstandard speech and for humorous effect
them is fighting words

them

2 of 2

adjective

nonstandard
: those
used chiefly in nonstandard speech and for humorous effect

Word History

First Known Use

Pronoun

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1594, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of them was before the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near them

Cite this Entry

“Them.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/them. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

them

pronoun
(t͟h)əm,
(ˈ)t͟hem,
 after  p,
b,
v,
f,
 also  ᵊm

objective case of they

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