anyone

[en-ee-wuhn, -wuhn]

pronoun

1. any person at all; anybody.

   Did anyone see the accident?

anyone

/ 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

Usage

See each, they ( def. ).

Spelling Note

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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of anyone¹

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

Example Sentences

In a statement, Mr Matera's family urged anyone with information to help "his soul find peace".

Read more on BBC

Planners conducted several Zoom meetings before the rallies, trading tips on chants, de-escalation strategies and actions to take if anyone is arrested.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

But Surridge would recommend the Nashville area to anyone considering a move to MLS.

Read more on BBC

And Maryette had a message for anyone who thinks they are too old to learn new things.

Read more on BBC

"I find it unbelievable that anyone could even come up with such an idea," she said.

Read more on Barron's

Related Words

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