There are 27 meanings listed in oed's entry for the word there, six of which are labelled obsolete. See 'meaning & use' for definitions, usage, and quotation evidence. The meaning of there is in or at that place —often used interjectionally.

They're vs. We can use there at the start of a clause as a type of indefinite subject. This means that we can put the actual subject at the end of the clause and so give it emphasis or focus (underlined below):. When do we use there? While their is a seemingly simple word, with two distinct uses and a clear meaning, there is a little bit more complex, in regard to the contexts where it may appear. You use there in front of certain verbs when you are saying that something exists, develops, or can be seen. Whether the verb is singular or plural depends on the noun which follows the verb.

While their is a seemingly simple word, with two distinct uses and a clear meaning, there is a little bit more complex, in regard to the contexts where it may appear. You use there in front of certain verbs when you are saying that something exists, develops, or can be seen. Whether the verb is singular or plural depends on the noun which follows the verb. The verb following there is singular or plural according to the number of the subject that follows the verb: There is a message for you. There are patients in the waiting room.

There are patients in the waiting room.