her

[ hur; unstressed her, er ]

/ hɜr; unstressed hər, ər /

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pronoun

the objective case of she: We saw her this morning. Give this book to her.

the possessive case of she (used as an attributive adjective): Her coat is the one on the chair. I'm sorry about her leaving.Compare hers.

the dative case of she: I gave her the book.

Informal. (used instead of the pronoun she in the predicate after the verb to be): It's her. It isn't her.

noun

Slang. a female: Is the new baby a her or a him?

QUIZ

CAN YOU ANSWER THESE COMMON GRAMMAR DEBATES?

There are grammar debates that never die; and the ones highlighted in the questions in this quiz are sure to rile everyone up once again. Do you know how to answer the questions that cause some of the greatest grammar debates?

Question 1 of 7

Which sentence is correct?

His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Origin of her

before 900; Middle English her(e), Old English hire, genitive and dative of hēo she (feminine of hēhe¹)

usage note for her

See he¹, me.

Other definitions for her (2 of 2)

her.

abbreviation

heraldic.

heraldry.

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use her in a sentence

Vladimir Putin endorses plan to tweet about Barneys models from bathroom of his/her choice.
Up to a Point: PJ O’Rourke on Sochi and Senate Slackers|P. J. O’Rourke|February 7, 2014|DAILY BEAST
The social media was quick to pick up the word and redefine it as “someone who fights for his/her individual rights.”
Smiling Under a Cloud of Tear Gas: Elif Shafak on Istanbul’s Streets|Elif Shafak|June 11, 2013|DAILY BEAST
Or of dinners where the wealthiest friend picks up the check while everyone else looks at his/her sneakers.
Income Inequality Within Families is Emerging as a Major Issue|Janna Malamud Smith|January 19, 2013|DAILY BEAST
Winner agrees to the use of his/her name and likeness in publicity without any additional compensation (except where prohibited).
The Orbitz Business Travel Survey Sweepstakes||December 14, 2012|DAILY BEAST

Every president and governor needs time for his/her policies to take effect.
30 Is the New 47, So Say the Mittsters|Michael Tomasky|June 4, 2012|DAILY BEAST
Ay, murmured the sick woman, relapsing into her former drowsy state, what about her?what aboutI know!
Oliver Twist, Vol. II (of 3)|Charles Dickens
Wants to wear the boots just once, she says, to lay the ghost of this what's-her-name—Maria Modena.
The Medici Boots|Pearl Norton Swet
Her virtues are merely milk-and-morality-her intelligence is pure spiritual whey.
The Fiend's Delight|Dod Grile
After the fall of the Ramessidian kings, the priestly Dynasty of Her-hor does not appear to have made use of them very largely.
Scarabs|Isaac Myer
The morning is more modest than thy praises, What a thing does he make her?Arc.
Beaumont & Fletcher's Works (8 of 10)|Francis Beaumont

British Dictionary definitions for her (1 of 2)

her

/ (hɜː, unstressed hə, ə) /

pronoun (objective)

refers to a female person or animalhe loves her; they sold her a bag; something odd about her; lucky her!

refers to things personified as feminine or traditionally to ships and nations

mainly US a dialect word for herself she needs to get her a better job

determiner

of, belonging to, or associated with herher silly ideas; her hair; her smoking annoys me

Word Origin for her

Old English hire, genitive and dative of hēo she, feminine of hēo he 1; related to Old High German ira, Gothic izōs, Middle Dutch hare

undefined her

See me 1

British Dictionary definitions for her (2 of 2)

her.

abbreviation for

heraldic

heraldry

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012