we: Meaning and Definition of

we

Pronunciation: (wē), [key]
— our ours, us.
  1. nominative pl. of
  2. (used to denote oneself and another or others): We have two children. In this block we all own our own houses.
  3. (used to denote people in general): the marvels of science that we take for granted.
  4. (used to indicate a particular profession, nationality, political party, etc., that includes the speaker or writer): We in the medical profession have moral responsibilities.
  5. Also called(used by a sovereign, or by other high officials and dignitaries, in place of I in formal speech): We do not wear this crown without humility.
  6. Also called(used by editors, writers, etc., to avoid the too personal or specific I or to represent a collective viewpoint): As for this column, we will have nothing to do with shady politicians.
  7. you (used familiarly, often with mild condescension or sarcasm, as in addressing a child, a patient, etc.): We know that's naughty, don't we? It's time we took our medicine.
  8. (used in the predicate following a copulative verb): It is we who should thank you.
  9. (used in apposition with a noun, esp. for emphasis): We Americans are a sturdy lot.
Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Copyright © 1997, by Random House, Inc., on Infoplease.