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Getting on board with nonbinary they/them pronouns: Here’s what you need to know

The pronoun 'they' has been added to the dictionary as a way to refer to people who identify as neither exclusively male or female.

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.

Credit: Twitter
The nonbinary pronoun they had been added to the dictionary.

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.

READ HERE: Hundreds of new words now added to the Merriam-Webster dictionary

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.

READ HERE: It's a 'theyby': How one Florida family is raising a gender-neutral child

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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