zero

noun

ze·​ro ˈzir-(ˌ)ō  ˈzē-(ˌ)rō 

plural zeros also zeroes

1

a

: the arithmetical symbol 0 or 0̸ denoting the absence of all magnitude or quantity

b

: 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)=x²−4

2

: the absence of a measurable quantity see Table of Numbers

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

Synonyms of zero

• nothing
• nil

Examples of zero in a Sentence

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

Just trying to go out there and put up zeros or a one to keep the team in the game. —Jeff Sanders, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 June 2026

That’s a 13-run fourth inning, sandwiched around eight zeroes. —Jayson Stark, New York Times, 5 June 2026

That’s someone who has assets valued at $1,000,000,000,000 or more, to view it in terms of zeroes. —Yasmin Vossoughian, NBC news, 4 June 2026

Sarah Faust corralled a pass in transition, then fired a missile into the twine as the clock hit triple zeroes to give Medfield a 7-6 advantage at intermission. —Brendan Connelly, Boston Herald, 2 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

French or Italian; French zéro, from Italian zero, from Medieval Latin zephirum, from Arabic ṣifr

First Known Use

1598, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing zero

• absolute zero
• from zero
• ground zero
• net-zero
• patient zero
• sub-zero
• zero-base
• zero-based
• zero coupon
• zero-day
• zero grade
• zero gravity
• zero hour
• zero in on
• zero out
• zero-sum
• zero-sum game
• zero tillage
• zero tolerance
• zero vector
• zero waste
• zero-zero

Rhymes for zero

• biro
• spiro
• subzero
• superhero

Kids Definition

zero

1 of 3 noun

ze·​ro ˈzē-rō 

ˈzi(ə)r-ō

plural zeros also zeroes

1

: the numerical symbol 0 meaning the absence of all magnitude or quantity see number

2

a

: a point (as on a scale) from which measurements are made

b

: a value or reading of zero

especially : the temperature represented by zero on a thermometer

3

: something or someone of no importance

4

: the lowest point

zero

2 of 3 adjective

1

a

: of, relating to, or being a zero

b

: having no size or quantity

zero growth

2

: showing no change in the word form

"sheep" is a noun with a zero plural

zero

3 of 3 verb

1

: to find out or adjust the zero of (as a balance)

2

: to aim or concentrate on a target or goal

zero in on my problems with algebra

Medical Definition

zero

noun

ze·​ro ˈzē-(ˌ)rō  ˈzi(ə)r-(ˌ)ō 

plural zeros also zeroes

1

: the arithmetical symbol 0 or 0̸ denoting the absence of all magnitude or quantity

2

a

: the point of departure in reckoning

specifically : the point from which the graduation of a scale (as of a thermometer) begins

b

: the temperature represented by the zero mark on a thermometer