theirs

American  

[thairz] / ðɛərz /

pronoun

1. a form of the possessive case of plural they used as a predicate adjective, after a noun or without a noun: Oh, you know Walt and Liz—are you a friend of theirs?

   It is theirs.

   Oh, you know Walt and Liz—are you a friend of theirs?

2. a form of the possessive case of singular they used as a predicate adjective, after a noun or without a noun.

   1. (used to refer to a generic or unspecified person previously mentioned, about to be mentioned, or present in the immediate context).

      I have my book—does everyone else have theirs?

   2. (used to refer to a specific or known person previously mentioned, about to be mentioned, or present in the immediate context).

      The child couldn’t say whether or not the coat was theirs.

   3. (used to refer to a nonbinary or gender-nonconforming person previously mentioned, about to be mentioned, or present in the immediate context).

      I've already gotten my coffee, but Morgan is still waiting to get theirs.

3. that which belongs to them.

   The Joneses don't usually flaunt their money, but theirs is the largest house on the block.

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theirs British  

/ ðɛəz /

pronoun

1. something or someone belonging to or associated in some way with them

   theirs is difficult

2. not_standard something or someone belonging to or associated in some way with an indefinite antecedent such as one, whoever, or anybody

   everyone thinks theirs is best

3. belonging to or associated with them

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Usage

See they.

Etymology

Origin of theirs

First recorded in 1150–1200; Middle English theires, thair(e)s, theres; their, -s ¹

Example Sentences

They expressed their "full support to the government and the people of Lebanon, who are once again suffering the dramatic consequences of a war that is not theirs".

From BBC

“Good. Just don’t ever tell your grandmothers, mom, or deadly aunties that it’s better than theirs.”

From Literature

“I thought Nate’s Gertrude boat and Jonah’s motorcycle were a little over the top, but theirs are nothing compared to some of these.”

From Literature

But theirs was less than 10%, one of the people said.

From The Wall Street Journal

The government-backed bank has been accused of a series of errors dating back years, with some bereaved families saying they did not receive money that was rightfully theirs, according to reports in the Daily Telegraph.

From BBC