z

1 of 4

noun (1)

ˈzē 

Canadian, British, and Australian

ˈzed 

chiefly dialectal

ˈi-zərd 

variants often Z

plural z's or zs

often attributive

1

a

: the 26th and last letter of the English alphabet

b

: a graphic representation of this letter

c

: a speech counterpart of orthographic z

2

: a graphic device for reproducing the letter z

3

: one designated z especially as the 26th in order or class or the third in order or class when x is made the first

4

: something shaped like the letter Z

5

: wink sense 1

—usually used in plural

catch some z's before dinner

z

2 of 4

abbreviation (1)

1

zero

2

zone

Z

3 of 4

noun (2)

: z particle

Z

4 of 4

abbreviation (2)

variants or ZD

zenith distance

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Words Starting With Z

Browse 1,234 words and phrases that start with the letter Z from za to Zyzzogeton.

Synonyms of z

Noun (1)

• napping
• resting
• slumbering
• bed
• slumber
• sleep
• rest

Examples of z in a Sentence

Noun (1)

a word that begins with a z

a word that begins with z

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

But its longer-term legacy may depend on whether India’s Gen Z can transform that victory into a broader movement capable of sustaining pressure on issues that affect their future. — Rhea Mogul, CNN Money, 28 July 2026

The desire to make fresh New York rap that isn’t indebted to drill, or chasing broader Gen-Z hip-hop trends such as jerk and rage rap, sometimes leads to experiments that don’t land anywhere. — Lei Takanashi, Pitchfork, 27 July 2026

However, in September 2025, Nepal’s restive Gen Z population shocked the world (and the country’s gerontocracy) by taking to the streets to demand change. — Vasuki Shastry, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026

Effective Monday, Diana Rubin will join the Gen Z brand‘s C-suite, reporting directly to founder Shai Eisenman. — Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 27 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Noun (1)

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Noun (2)

1967, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing z

• z-axis
• z-coordinate
• z distribution
• z-score
• z-test

Kids Definition

z

noun

ˈzē

British & Canadian ˈzed

plural z's or zs

often capitalized

1

: the 26th and last letter of the English alphabet

2

: a brief nap

catch some z's before dinner

Medical Definition

Z

symbol

1

atomic number

2

impedance