Definition of NO (original) (raw)
1
b
—used as a function word to express the negative of an alternative choice or possibility
shall we go out to dinner or no
2
: in no respect or degree —used in comparisons
you're no better than the rest of us
3
: not so —used to express negation, dissent, denial, or refusal
no, I'm not going
4
—used with a following adjective to imply a meaning expressed by the opposite positive statement
in no uncertain terms
5
—used as a function word to emphasize a following negative or to introduce a more emphatic, explicit, or comprehensive statement
it's big, no, it's gigantic
6
—used as an interjection to express surprise, doubt, or incredulity
7
—used in combination with a verb to form a compound adjective
_no_-bake pie
1
a
: not any
no disputing the decision
b
: hardly any : very little
2
: not a : quite other than a
3
—used in combination with a noun to form a compound adjective
a _no_-nonsense realist
1
: an act or instance of refusing or denying by the use of the word no : denial
received a firm no in reply
2
a
: a negative vote or decision
b
noes or nos plural : persons voting in the negative
2
[Latin numero, ablative of _numerus_] number
less common spelling of
Synonyms of no
Examples of no in a Sentence
Adverb
She shook her head no. this cake is no better than the last one we made Adjective
She said she had no money. I wanted no part of the plan. They showed no concern for my feelings. people with little or no experience with computers Noun
There were 110 ayes and only 16 noes. The noes raised their hands.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Hulse and her colleagues had provided a cache of medications, but the clinic no longer had any antibiotics. —
Clayton Dalton, New Yorker, 15 May 2026 But the Ducks would get no closer, with Vegas icing the game on two third-period goals from Pavel Dorofeyev, who had four goals in the final two games. —Kevin Baxter, Los Angeles Times, 15 May 2026
The answer to the latter question is clearly no. —Bobby Burack Outkick, FOXNews.com, 1 May 2026 Ironically, the answer might be no. —Stylecaster Editors, StyleCaster, 28 Mar. 2026
There's no, 'Hey, run back to the helo. —David Hookstead Outkick, FOXNews.com, 13 May 2026 There's a strict _no_-dogs, no-alcohol policy, and visitors should be aware that the parking lot fills early on summer weekends. —Patricia Doherty, Travel + Leisure, 13 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for no
Word History
Etymology
Adverb
Middle English, from Old English nā, from ne not + ā always; akin to Old Norse & Old High German ne not, Latin ne-, Greek nē- — more at aye
First Known Use
Adverb
before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a
Adjective
before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a
Noun
15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Time Traveler
The first known use of no was before the 12th century
Browse Nearby Words
Cite this Entry
“No.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/no. Accessed 17 May. 2026.
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