Who — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

pronoun abbreviation noun /ˈhü/

Meaning & Definition of Who

Who (pronoun)

  1. what or which person or persons —used as an interrogative —used by speakers on all educational levels and by many reputable writers, though disapproved by some grammarians, as the object of a verb or a following preposition
  2. the person or persons that, whoever
  3. —used as a function word to introduce a relative clause—used especially in reference to persons but also in reference to groups or to animals or to inanimate objects especially with the implication that the reference is really to a person —used by speakers on all educational levels and by many reputable writers, though disapproved by some grammarians, as the object of a verb or a following preposition

Who (abbreviation)

  1. World Health Organization

Who (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. as in top drawer, corps d'elite

    similar: A-list, aristocracy, best, choice, corps d'elite, cream, crème de la crème, elect, elite, fat, flower, illuminati, pick, pink, pride, priesthood, prime, royalty, upper crust, establishment, gentry, nobility, quality, society, top, top drawer, upper class, caviar
    opposite: commoners, herd, hoi polloi, masses, millions, mob, multitude, rank and file, unwashed

  2. as in top drawers, corps d'elite

    similar: A-lists, aristocracies, best, choices, corps d'elite, creams, crème de la crème, elect, elites, fat, flowers, illuminati, picks, pinks, prides, priesthoods, primes, royalties, upper crusts, establishments, gentries, nobilities, qualities, societies, top drawers, tops, upper classes, caviars
    opposite: commoners, herds, hoi polloi, masses, millions, mobs, multitudes, rank and files, unwasheds

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Who

The most common words with a similar meaning to Who:

A-list, aristocracy, best, choice, corps d'elite, cream, crème de la crème, elect, elite, fat, flower, illuminati, pick, pink, pride, priesthood, prime, royalty, upper crust, establishment, gentry, nobility, quality, society, top, top drawer, upper class, caviar, A-lists, aristocracies, choices, creams, elites, flowers, picks, pinks, prides, priesthoods, primes, royalties

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Who

Words with the opposite meaning of Who:

commoners, herd, hoi polloi, masses, millions, mob, multitude, rank and file, unwashed, herds, mobs, multitudes, rank and files, unwasheds

Origin & Etymology of Who

Middle English, from Old English hwā; akin to Old High German hwer, interrogative pronoun, who, Latin quis, Greek tis, Latin qui, relative pronoun, who

First known use: before 12th century

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Who

Words & Phrases Containing Who

whom, who is who, who's who, who asked you?, who can tell, who cares, who goes there

Frequently Asked Questions about Who

What does "Who" mean?

"Who" means what or which person or persons —used as an interrogative —used by speakers on all educational levels and by many reputable writers, though disapproved by some grammarians, as the object of a verb or a following preposition. As an a pronoun, an abbreviation and a noun, it is defined as: what or which person or persons —used as an interrogative —used by speakers on all educational levels and by many reputable writers, though disapproved by some grammarians, as the object of a verb or a following preposition. It has 2 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Who"?

Other words for "Who" include A-list, aristocracy, best, choice, corps d'elite, cream, crème de la crème and elect. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Who" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Who"?

There are 50 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Who". Common alternatives include A-list, aristocracy, best, choice, corps d'elite, cream, crème de la crème, elect, elite and fat.

What is the opposite of "Who"?

Antonyms of "Who" include commoners, herd, hoi polloi, masses, millions, mob, multitude and rank and file.

Is "Who" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Who" can be used as a pronoun, an abbreviation and a noun, depending on the context.

Is "Who" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As an A1-level word, "Who" is typical of Cambridge A1 Movers (Young Learners), TOEIC Listening & Reading 120+.

How do you pronounce "Who"?

"Who" is pronounced /ˈhü/.

What is the origin of the word "Who"?

"Who" comes from Middle English, from Old English hwā; akin to Old High German hwer, interrogative pronoun, who, Latin quis, Greek tis, Latin qui, relative pronoun, who. First known use: before 12th century.