The Merriam-Webster online dictionary now recognizes “they” as a personal pronoun.
The site tweeted Tuesday that it had added the pronoun to its online list of definitions for the word.
The dictionary now defines “they,” along with its other uses, as “used to refer to a single person whose gender identity is nonbinary.”
The nonbinary pronoun ‘they’ has been added to the dictionary. https://t.co/tadl1VdfB0
— Merriam-Webster (@MerriamWebster) September 17, 2019
As the Oxford English Dictionary points out, the use of singular “they” has a long history, but its use as a pronoun by people who are non-binary or identify with neither male nor female pronouns is more recent.
One Twitter user thanked singer Sam Smith, who announced last week that they use “they/them” pronouns, for fuelling the move.
It’s unclear what motivated the dictionary to add the pronoun, but it’s a great step!
More on Broadview: How to be a better LGBTQ2 ally
Thanks for reading
Independent journalism rooted
in faith and justice is under threat
Broadview is the only media organization in Canada offering thoughtful, values-driven journalism from an inclusive, progressive Christian perspective. But our work depends on your support. If you value what you've just read, please act now.
A gift today helps keep this journalism alive tomorrow.
With gratitude,
“used to refer to a single person whose gender identity is nonbinary.”
The rare case where “science” backs up the Bible. All through the Bible is “male and female” (husband/wife), never is there a mention of a third gender. Yet theories and perceptions are trying to over rule common sense.