nil

noun

ˈnil 

: nothing, zero

nil adjective

Synonyms of nil

• zero
• nothing

Examples of nil in a Sentence

They took a 2 to nil lead in the second half of the game.

the difference in the audio performance of those two CD players is nil

Recent Examples on the Web

That's the final whistle and the game is over at nil-nil! — Marlene Lenthang, NBC news, 27 June 2026

Why the sublime Lionel Messi and reigning champ Argentina only beat Austria 2-nil Monday on two more Messi goals. — Greg Cote june 22, Miami Herald, 22 June 2026

One-nil down and outplayed by Morocco for the first half hour, everyone looked to Vini in hope more than expectation. — James Horncastle, New York Times, 14 June 2026

Neither hit, however, so the score midway through remained nil-nil. — Jeff Rosen, Kansas City Star, 30 May 2026

Word History

Etymology

Latin, nothing, contraction of nihil, from Old Latin nihilum, from ne- not + hilum trifle — more at no

First Known Use

circa 1550, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for nil

• bill
• brill
• chill
• drill
• fil
• fill
• frill
• gill
• grill
• grille
• jill
• kill

Kids Definition

nil

noun

ˈnil 

: nothing at all : zero

nil adjective