she
Pluralshes
- 1Used as the subject to talk about a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned.
My sister called, and she says she will be late for dinner.
The cat is hungry, so she keeps meowing at the door.
UsageUse she as the subject: She saw me. Use her as the object: I saw her.
Note
- 2Used in some writing for any person, whatever their gender, instead of 'he'.
A good teacher knows when she should stay silent.
Each applicant must show that she meets the requirements.
UsageMany writers use they or a plural instead.
Note
- 3Used for a ship, car, machine or country, as if it were a woman.
The old sailboat is small, but she handles rough water well.
The old ferry is still running, and she hasn't missed a crossing in years.
UsageYou can say it or she for a boat. She sounds warmer.
Note
Less common meanings
- 4
- 5Used instead of "it" to talk about how things are going in general.
We lost the first game, but she'll be right next week.
How's the house move going? Ah, she's going fine, mate, nearly done.
UsagePeople say she'll be right to mean everything will be OK.
Similarit
Note
- 6To call someone 'she' when talking about them, whether or not they use that pronoun.
Please don't she me, because my pronouns are he and him.
He asked his coworkers to stop sheing him, but some of them still do it.
Similarmisgender
Note
- 7In some Caribbean and African-American speech, used instead of 'her' before a noun.
Showing meanings only.
Practice
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Origin
This word comes from Middle English "sche," probably from Old English "heo," meaning "she." A derivation from Old English "seo" ("that one") is also possible but seen as less likely.
Checked 1 Nov 2026 · 3 facts
- She descends from Middle English sche. en.wiktionary.org
- Old English heo, meaning she, is the probable earlier source. en.wiktionary.org
- Old English seo, meaning that one, is a possible but less likely source. en.wiktionary.org