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; see origin at their, -s ¹

Example Sentences

She pointed to the trailers and small homes around theirs.

From Salon • Apr. 19, 2026

"The guests were all saying they were going to eat theirs at nine o'clock," Tracy said.

From BBC • Apr. 15, 2026

She added that it was not Epstein who introduced her to President Donald Trump, she was not a victim of theirs, and she had no knowledge of their crimes.

From Slate • Apr. 10, 2026

We should probably clarify that the dime saved is theirs, not yours.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 7, 2026

And in that they had given the Grand Dame a second life, just as surely as they had been given theirs.

From "Night Owls" by A.R. Vishny