# someone

/ˈsəmˌwən/ (US) · /sˈʌmwɒn/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/someone
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. an unknown person

pronoun · CEFR A1

used to refer to a person when you do not know their name or identity.

For teachers: an indefinite pronoun referring to a person of unspecified or unknown identity.

- Someone left an umbrella in the hallway, but I don't know who it belongs to.
- If someone calls while I am in the meeting, please take a detailed message and ask for their contact information.

### 2. an important person

noun · CEFR B2 · Informal

a person who is famous, successful, or important.

For teachers: a person of significance, social standing, or professional importance.

- After her book became a bestseller, she felt like she was finally someone.
- In a town this small, anyone with a steady job and a clean car is considered to be someone.

Usage: Often used with the verb 'to be' to indicate a change in status.

## Examples

- Someone is knocking at the door.
- I need someone to help me carry these heavy boxes to the car.
- The witness reported seeing someone lurking near the entrance shortly before the alarm sounded, though they could not provide a detailed description.

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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.