one another

pronoun

Each Other vs. One Another: Usage Guide

Some handbooks and textbooks recommend that each other be restricted to reference to two and one another to reference to three or more. The distinction, while neat, is not observed in actual usage. Each other and one another are used interchangeably by good writers and have been since at least the 16th century.

Word History

First Known Use

1526, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of one another was in 1526

Dictionary Entries Near one another

Cite this Entry

“One another.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/one%20another. Accessed 2 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

one another

pronoun

More from Merriam-Webster on one another

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!