anyone

American  

[en-ee-wuhn, -wuhn] / ˈɛn iˌwʌn, -wən /

pronoun

1. any person at all; anybody.

   Did anyone see the accident?

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anyone British  

/ ˈɛnɪˌwʌn, -wən /

pronoun

1. any person; anybody

2. (used with a negative or a question) a person of any importance

   is he anyone in this town?

3. (often preceded by just) any person at random; no matter who

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Spelling

Anyone as a pronoun meaning “anybody” or “any person at all” is written as one word: Does anyone have the correct time? The two-word phrase any one means “any single member of a group of persons or things” and is often followed by of: Can any one of the members type? Any one of these books is exciting reading. Anyone is somewhat more formal than anybody.

Usage

See each, they ( def. ).

Etymology

Origin of anyone

First recorded in 1350–1400, anyone is from Middle English ani on. See any, one

Compare meaning

How does anyone compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• anyone vs. anybody

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

anyone

Does anyone believe it will be able to invest in films and television?

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 28, 2026

And 10 days earlier, the program moved into its new, state-of-the-art football facility, with all the amenities anyone could ask for.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 28, 2026

You didn't even know anyone at that school.

From Barron's ● Jul. 28, 2026

The death of the 43-year-old man is still being treated as unexplained pending the results of a post-mortem examination - however police have said there is nothing to suggest anyone else was involved.

From BBC ● Jul. 28, 2026

“Oh yeah? I didn’t think that school had anyone that looked like us besides Ford. How many of you is there?” she asks.

From "Split the Sky" by Marie Arnold

Related Words

• all
• anybody
• everybody
• everyone
• one
• public
• you