plural zeros also zeroes
1
: the number 0
One million is a one with six zeros [=(Brit) noughts] after it.
Two minus two equals zero.
2
: the temperature shown by the zero mark on a thermometer
It's supposed to fall below zero tonight.
The temperature is 10° above/below zero.
3
: nothing at all
They are working to reduce the mortality rate to zero.
Her contribution to the project was close to zero. [=she did almost nothing on the project]
The car can go from zero to 60 in 10 seconds. [=from not moving at all to going 60 miles per hour in 10 seconds]
(informal) I know zero [=nada, zilch] about fixing computers.
You'll have to start from zero [=from scratch] if you can't find your notes.
4
informal
: a person who is not important, interesting, popular, etc.
—usually singular
Her new boyfriend's a real zero. [=loser]
: not any
The economy experienced zero [=no] inflation last year.
(informal) He has zero [=no] chance of winning. = His chances of winning are zero. [=nonexistent]
zeroes; zeroed; zeroing
technical
: to set (a measuring device, such as a scale) so that it reads 0
zero the scale
Cite this Entry
“Zero.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/zero. Accessed 15 Apr. 2026.
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