Meaning & use

zero

number·Everyday

The number 0, representing no quantity or amount, and the point separating positive from negative numbers.

See it in a sentence

The temperature dropped to zero degrees overnight, and the pond froze solid.

He scored zero points in the first half but rallied to lead the team by the end.

A note on using this word

Zero is used for temperature and general counting, while nil or love replace it in certain sports scores, such as soccer and tennis.

Words with a similar meaning

noughtnil

Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.

Another way to use it

2. verb

To adjust or reset an instrument, account, or counter to a starting value of zero.

She zeroed the scale before weighing the ingredients for the recipe.

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “zero”, then compare your use with the examples above.

Your draft stays on this page and is not sent anywhere.