he/she

[hee-shee]

1. a combined form used as a singular nominative pronoun to denote someone either male or female.

   Each student may begin when he/she is ready.

Gender Note

Is he gender-neutral? See he ¹.

Word History and Origins

Origin of he/she¹

First recorded in 1975–80

Example Sentences

It says school officials “should not consent to access by an immigration enforcement officer unless he/she declares exigent circumstances or has a federal judicial warrant.”

From Los Angeles Times

They also should “not attempt to physically impede an officer, even if he/she appears to lack authorization to enter.”

From Los Angeles Times

"How could he?" she eventually asked, in her quiet voice.

From BBC

And they remove the requirement for the audit committee to be involved in the closing of the FIA's accounts, the supervision of FIA financial issues and budgets, and put the responsibility on the president of the senate to "consult" the committee "if he/she deems it necessary".

From BBC

During the girl’s police interview she told officers that Stringer’s sexual touching made her feel "wrong" but that he had warned her not to tell her parents because he she would "get into a lot of trouble and it would all be my fault".

From BBC