# pronoun

/ˈpɹoʊnaʊn/ (US) · /pɹˈəʊnaʊn/ (UK) · CEFR B1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/pronoun
Updated: 2026-04-24

## Definition

a word that takes the place of a noun. You use it so you don't have to keep repeating the same name or object over and over.

For teachers: a word that substitutes for a noun or noun phrase. It functions syntactically like a noun, typically serving to prevent repetition and maintain textual cohesion.

## Examples

- The word 'she' is a pronoun that replaces a person's name.
- Instead of repeating the dog's name in every sentence, the writer used a pronoun to make the paragraph flow better.
- In languages with complex gender systems, selecting the correct pronoun requires an understanding of both the grammatical category of the antecedent and the social context of the conversation.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.