anyone
Americanpronoun
pronoun
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any person; anybody
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(used with a negative or a question) a person of any importance
is he anyone in this town?
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(often preceded by just) any person at random; no matter who
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:
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Anyone concerned the event might not adequately cover its poultry bases can also breathe easy: “blackened chicken, packaged chicken, boneless skinless chicken breasts and chicken legs” have all been noted.
From Salon • Jul. 2, 2026
"Anyone considering taking ownership of them as pets needs to thoroughly research their needs to ensure they are provided with a suitable diet and the appropriate accommodation that helps them thrive," a spokesperson said.
From BBC • Jul. 2, 2026
Anyone who has these products should not eat them and should discard them immediately.
From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 2, 2026
Anyone already receiving GLP-1 coverage through standard Medicare drug benefits, for diabetes, sleep apnea or related conditions, is excluded and stays on their existing plan.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jul. 2, 2026
Anyone who didn’t like it just had to go along with it.
From "Reaching for the Moon" by Katherine Johnson
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
