them

[them, thuhm, uhm]

pronoun

1. the objective case of plural they, used as a direct or indirect object.

   We saw them yesterday. I gave them the books.

2. Informal.,  (used instead of the pronoun they in the predicate after the verbto be ): No, that isn’t them.

   It's them, across the street.

   No, that isn’t them.

3. Informal.,  (used instead of the pronoun their before a gerund).

   The boys' parents objected to them hiking without adult supervision.

4. the objective case of singular they, used as a direct or indirect object.

   1. (used to refer to a generic or unspecified person previously mentioned, about to be mentioned, or present in the immediate context): If an officer were to ask you that question directly, you would have to answer them honestly.

      If you know anyone looking for a job, tell them to contact me.

      If an officer were to ask you that question directly, you would have to answer them honestly.

   2. (used to refer to a specific or known person previously mentioned, about to be mentioned, or present in the immediate context).

      I can’t believe your ex took your cat with them when they moved out.

   3. (used to refer to a nonbinary or gender-nonconforming person previously mentioned, about to be mentioned, or present in the immediate context).

      Randi’s on vacation, so you can’t see them until next week.

adjective

1. Nonstandard.,  those.

   He don't want them books.

them

/ ðəm, ðɛm /

pronoun

1. (objective) refers to things or people other than the speaker or people addressed

   I'll kill them

   what happened to them?

2. a dialect word for themselves

   they got them a new vice president

determiner

1. a nonstandard word for those

   three of them oranges

Grammar Note

See he ¹, me, they.

Word History and Origins

Origin of them¹

First recorded in 1150–1200; Middle English theim, theym, from Old Norse theim “them” (dative); replacing Middle English tham(e), Old English thǣm, thām; they

Word History and Origins

Origin of them¹

Old English thǣm, influenced by Old Norse theim; related to Old Frisian thām, Old Saxon, Old High German thēm, Old Norse theimr, Gothic thaim

Example Sentences

ANO shares the Motorists' misgivings about the EU's emissions targets, and vows to modify or reject them outright.

From BBC

The Israeli military said she and five other hostages had been killed shortly before its troops reached them.

From BBC

Against Leeds, he contested 19 duels, winning 10 of them - more than any other player in the game.

From BBC

Organisers Defend Our Juries said hundreds took part in demonstrations backing Palestine Action - a group which was proscribed by the government in July making it illegal to show any support or affiliation to them.

From BBC

But George Bower came off the bench to barge over seconds after the final hooter sounded to seal the win for New Zealand and hand them the attacking bonus point.

From BBC

Related Words

• us 
• you