Merriam-Webster's dictionary announced the addition of a new entry to the definition of the pronoun, "they."
The fourth entry now reads: used to refer to a single person whose gender identity is nonbinary.
Nonbinary means relating to or being a person who identifies with or expresses a gender identity that is neither entirely male nor entirely female.
Emily Brewster, senior editor with Merriam-Webster says the added definition met their criteria of meaningful use, sustained use, and widespread use.
"We were encountering it with such frequency in a wide variety of context that it was, it’s undoubtedly an established member of the English language," said Brewster.
READ HERE: Gender identity terms you need to know
The additional definition of "they" comes just days after singer Sam Smith announced on Instagram a decision to use gender-neutral they/them pronouns.
The new definition of "they" is one of more than 530 words added to the Merriam Webster dictionary this week. Other news words include sesh, Escape room, and dad joke.
Earlier this year, 10News interviewed a family raising a "theyby."
Instead of "boy" or "girl," gender-neutral babies are known as "theybies". "Theybies" refer to babies without a known sex.
This parenting philosophy means only the parents and trusted caregivers know the baby's anatomy. They believe the gender part comes later and is left up to the child.
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