What does zero mean?
Zero is the cardinal number that represents no quantity. As a noun, it can also mean a point marked 0, a score of nil, or, informally, a person considered insignificant. The adjective zero indicates the complete absence of an amount, effect, or standard, while as a verb it can reduce a value to nothing or, in the idiom zero in on, concentrate attention on a target. In grammar, the term zero article names the omission of an article. Although the word appears simple, it represents a foundational mathematical idea that makes place value, measurement, and precise comparison possible. In ordinary use, zero can sound exact and neutral, though its use for a person may be cutting. Its history is equally noteworthy: the modern numeral emerged in India, while English borrowed the word through Arabic and Latin.
The cardinal number 0, representing no quantity.
"Zero divided by any nonzero number is zero."
When expressing a complete absence, zero normally takes a singular noun: zero dollars, zero minutes, zero exceptions.
A point or value marked 0; a score of no points; or, informally, a person regarded as insignificant.
"The final tally was zero."
Indicating the complete absence of an amount, effect, degree, or similar quality.
"The policy allows zero exceptions."
This use is often more emphatic or formal than the ordinary words no or none.
To reduce a value to zero or render something ineffective; in the phrasal verb used with a preposition, to focus attention sharply on a target.
"The team zeroed in on the source of the delay."
The meaning involving focused attention is expressed idiomatically with zero in on.
Zeros is the standard plural. Zeroes is also an accepted spelling, particularly in British English.
"There were two zeros on the scoreboard."
Indian mathematicians made 'nothing' calculable; the word later reached English through Arabic and Latin.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of zero
The English word entered use in the early 17th century through French zéro, from Italian zero and medieval Latin cipher, ultimately tracing to Arabic ṣifr, meaning “empty” or “cipher,” which was borrowed from Sanskrit śūnya, “void” or “emptiness.” The Arabic and Latin line also produced English cipher and its variant cypher. Independently, Indian mathematicians developed śūnya into a written numeral and established rules for arithmetic involving zero. Related Sanskrit forms also appear in English as sunyata and śūnyatā, especially in Buddhist usage.
Related word forms
How zero is actually used
Zero is formal and objective in measured contexts but can sound emphatic when negating a claim. As a noun for a person regarded as worthless, it is informal and potentially insulting. In grammatical terminology, the zero article denotes an omitted article and is especially associated with British English.
Easily confused with zero
Zero is the numeral 0, whereas oh is an interjection expressing surprise, emotion, or acknowledgment.