Definition of ZERO (original) (raw)
1
a
: the arithmetical symbol 0 or 0̸ denoting the absence of all magnitude or quantity
b
: [additive identity](/dictionary/additive identity)
specifically : the number between the set of all negative numbers and the set of all positive numbers
c
: a value of an independent variable that makes a function equal to zero
+2 and −2 are zeros of _f(x)=x_2−4
3
a(1)
: the point of departure in reckoning
specifically : the point from which the graduation of a scale (as of a thermometer) begins
(2)
: the temperature represented by the zero mark on a thermometer
b
: the setting or adjustment of the sights of a firearm that causes it to shoot to point of aim at a desired range
4
: an insignificant person or thing : nonentity
5
a
: a state of total absence or neutrality
b
: the lowest point : nadir
6
: something arbitrarily or conveniently designated zero
1
a
: of, relating to, or being a zero
b
: having no magnitude or quantity : not any
c(1)
: having no phonetic manifestation
the zero modification in the past tense of cut
(2)
: having no modified inflectional form
2
a
of a cloud ceiling : limiting vision to 50 feet (15 meters) or less
b
of horizontal visibility : limited to 165 feet (50.3 meters) or less
1
: to determine or adjust the zero of
2
a
: to concentrate firepower on the exact range of —usually used with in
b
: to bring to bear on the exact range of a target —usually used with in
1
: to adjust fire on a specific target —usually used with in
2
: to close in on or focus attention on an objective —usually used with in
investigators are zeroing in on a suspect
Synonyms
Examples of zero in a Sentence
Noun
Two minus two equals zero. It's supposed to fall below zero tonight. The temperature is 10° above zero. They are working to reduce the mortality rate to zero.
Recent Examples on the Web
One over-the-counter container of Narcan contains molecules in the quintillions, a number requiring eighteen zeros, and each sailed into the nasal cavity like stones hurled at the night sky. —
Blake Nelson, The Mercury News, 13 Oct. 2024 According to the website, Dues’ campaign numbers are all zeroes. —Elyse Apel | The Center Square, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 6 Oct. 2024
Many students have been missing the typical social interactions that are part of life in school (though a non-zero number of students have benefitted from not having to navigate such interactions). —Peter Greene, Forbes, 5 June 2021 Yet following an ineffective appearance last week against Clemson, Conley totaled exactly zero yards of total offense in playing almost the entirety of the second quarter Saturday night. —Tim Sullivan, The Courier-Journal, 27 Oct. 2019
Yes, but: The idea has limitations, starting with the difficulty of zeroing in and addressing transmission at the source, experts said. —Tina Reed, Axios, 10 July 2024 Still other pieces zeroed on specific body parts: hands, heads, torsos, and the like. —Alex Greenberger, ARTnews.com, 2 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for zero 
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'zero.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
Etymology
Noun
French or Italian; French zéro, from Italian zero, from Medieval Latin zephirum, from Arabic ṣifr
First Known Use
Noun
1598, in the meaning defined at sense 1a
Adjective
1821, in the meaning defined at sense 1a
Verb
1911, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1
Time Traveler
The first known use of zero was in 1598
Dictionary Entries Near zero
Cite this Entry
“Zero.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/zero. Accessed 26 Oct. 2024.
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Last Updated: 25 Oct 2024 - Updated example sentences
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