anyone

American  

[en-ee-wuhn, -wuhn] / ˈɛn iˌwʌn, -wən /

pronoun

1. any person at all; anybody.

   Did anyone see the accident?

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anyone British  

/ ˈɛnɪˌwʌn, -wən /

pronoun

1. any person; anybody

2. (used with a negative or a question) a person of any importance

   is he anyone in this town?

3. (often preceded by just) any person at random; no matter who

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Spelling

Anyone as a pronoun meaning “anybody” or “any person at all” is written as one word: Does anyone have the correct time? The two-word phrase any one means “any single member of a group of persons or things” and is often followed by of: Can any one of the members type? Any one of these books is exciting reading. Anyone is somewhat more formal than anybody.

Usage

See each, they ( def. ).

Etymology

Origin of anyone

First recorded in 1350–1400, anyone is from Middle English ani on. See any, one

Compare meaning

How does anyone compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• anyone vs. anybody

Example Sentences

I don’t ever want anyone to come to a space that I’ve curated and leave uninspired, because that means that I’ve wasted your time.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 14, 2026

The end of all taxation is hard for anyone to imagine.

From Barron's • Apr. 14, 2026

But ask anyone who has been and they’re likely to lead with the thrill of picking up the receiver in the booth to enter.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 14, 2026

Thanks to “Cosmic Music,” anyone interested in her life and work doesn’t have to go comb through microfilm or ancient magazines to learn more about this unbelievably accomplished and completely fascinating human being.

From Salon • Apr. 14, 2026

“She’s away until tomorrow. I’m in charge of receiving everyone. We haven’t had anyone in a while, though. Most everyone came to pay their respects last month. Right after.”

From "The Brightwood Code" by Monica Hesse

Related Words

• all
• anybody
• everybody
• everyone
• one
• public
• you