whoever

Meanings

1. 1
   pron

   Who ever: an emphatic form of who.

   Whoever thought up that stupid idea?

2. 2
   pron

   Any person or persons that.

   Whoever breaks the law will be punished.

3. 3
   pron

   The person that (no matter who).

   Whoever robbed that old lady ought to be locked up.

4. 4
   pron

   Regardless of the person or persons that.

   Whoever stole the painting, the police will catch the thief in no time.

5. 5
   pron

   Any person or persons.

   I don't care who gets it; give it to whoever.

6. 6
   pron

   Misspelling of who ever other than in interrogative use.

   He is the tallest man whoever lived. (incorrect usage)

Etymology

From Middle English whoever. By surface analysis, who + ever.