nothing

pronoun noth·ing \ ˈnə-thiŋ \

Updated on: 28 Nov 2017

Definition of nothing

1 : not any thing : no thing

leaves nothing to the imagination

2 : no part

3 : one of no interest, value, or consequence

they mean nothing to me

— nothing doing

: by no means : definitely no

— nothing for it

: no alternative

nothing for it but to start over

See nothing defined for English-language learners

See nothing defined for kids

Examples of nothing in a Sentence

There's nothing in my hands.
She knows nothing of our plans.
You have nothing to worry about.
There's nothing fun to do around here.
You think that's bad? It's nothing compared to what I went through.
Don't get all upset over nothing.
Your opinion means nothing to me.
“Are you hurt?” “Don't worry. It's nothing.”

Origin and Etymology of nothing

Middle English, from Old English nān thing, nāthing, from nān no + thing thing — more at none

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: before 12th century

See Words from the same year

nothing

adverb

Definition of nothing

: not at all : in no degree

— nothing like

: not nearly

it's nothing like thorough enough

See nothing defined for English-language learners

Examples of nothing in a Sentence

She is nothing like her sister.
It's nothing close to finished.

First Known Use of nothing

12th century

nothing Synonyms

Synonyms

no, none, never, noway (or noways), nowise

Antonyms

anyhow, anyway, anywise, at all, ever, half, however

Related Words

nowhere near

Near Antonyms

completely, extremely, full, fully, par excellence, right, very; altogether, exactly; somehow, someway (also someways); out

nothing

noun

Definition of nothing

1 a : something that does not exist

b : the absence of all magnitude or quantity; also : zero 1a

c : nothingness, nonexistence

2 : someone or something of no or slight value or size

3 : a light, playful, or frivolous remark —usually used in plural

whispered sweet nothings

— for nothing

1 : without reason

2 : at no charge

See nothing defined for English-language learners

Examples of nothing in a Sentence

It appeared out of nothing.
The UFO hovered for a while, then vanished into nothing.
My children are important to me—I'm nothing without them.

Recent Examples of nothing from the Web

The Saints are second in the league in total offense with 390.4 yards per game, so that's nothing new and seemingly normal.

— larry holder, NOLA.com, "Retrain your eyes to appreciate the 2017 Saints offense," 4 Nov. 2017
Shutting down opponents is nothing new to the Brookfield Central defense that features high-level talent at each position.

— andrew gruman, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Led by suffocating defense, Brookfield Central erases memories of playoffs past with a Level 3 win over rival Brookfield East," 4 Nov. 2017
Getting up early is nothing new for one Astros fan and mother of six who has found the perfect spot downtown for the World Series victory parade.

— fernando alfonso iii, Houston Chronicle, "Meet the Astros fan already in line for the World Series victory parade," 3 Nov. 2017
The family wants to know why there’s nothing more to be done, wants a second opinion, wants more time.

— s.e. smith, Longreads, "How Much is Too Much to Save a Dying Cat?," 2 Nov. 2017
Imagine being a part of group that is based on generosity with wanting nothing in return – that's what the Buy Nothing Project is.

— quoron walker, Courant Community, "'Buy Nothing Project' Pays In Camaraderie," 1 Nov. 2017
Insofar as this tax revenue funds necessary, efficient, and effective government services, of course, there’s nothing wrong with the fact that the state takes a share.

— eli lehrer, National Review, "Cut the Corporate Tax to Zero," 1 Nov. 2017
While the actors' recent outing to Monaco with their families was news to fans, Damon and Hemsworth's bromance is nothing new.

— grace gavilanes, PEOPLE.com, "From Matt & Chris to Justin & Jimmy: Hollywood's Most Enduring Celebrity Bromances," 31 Oct. 2017
The high point total was nothing new for Climax-Scotts, which had a 60-point performance earlier in the season, and scored at least 50 in three other games.

— joey yashinsky, Detroit Free Press, "2 Michigan prep teams combine for record 146 points in playoff opener," 28 Oct. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'nothing.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of nothing

1535

nothing Synonyms

nothing

adjective

Definition of nothing

: of no account : worthless

First Known Use of nothing

1611

NOTHING Defined for English Language Learners

nothing

pronoun

Definition of nothing for English Language Learners

: not anything : not a thing
: someone or something that has no interest, value, or importance

nothing

adverb

Definition of nothing for English Language Learners

: not at all : in no way

nothing

noun

Definition of nothing for English Language Learners

: empty space
: the number 0
: someone or something that has little or no worth, importance, or influence

NOTHING Defined for Kids

nothing

pronoun noth·ing \ ˈnə-thiŋ \

Definition of nothing for Students

1 : not anything : no thing

There's nothing in the box.

2 : someone or something of no interest, value, or importance

Your opinion is nothing to me.

nothing

adverb

Definition of nothing for Students

: not at all : in no way

He is nothing like his brother.

nothing

noun

Definition of nothing for Students

1 : something that does not exist : empty space

The magician made a rabbit appear out of nothing.

2 : zero 1

The score was ten to nothing.

3 : someone or something of little or no worth or importance

I'm nothing without my friends and family.

—

nothingness

noun

— for nothing

1 : for no reason

We did all that work for nothing.

2 : for no money

Learn More about nothing

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for nothing Spanish Central: Translation of nothing Nglish: Translation of nothing for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of nothing for Arabic speakers

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Examples of nothing in a Sentence

Origin and Etymology of nothing

nothing

Definition of nothing

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First Known Use of nothing

nothing Synonyms

Synonyms

Antonyms

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Near Antonyms

nothing

Definition of nothing

Examples of nothing in a Sentence

Recent Examples of nothing from the Web

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nothing Synonyms

Synonyms

Antonyms

Related Words

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nothing

Definition of nothing

First Known Use of nothing

NOTHING Defined for English Language Learners

nothing

Definition of nothing for English Language Learners

nothing

Definition of nothing for English Language Learners

nothing

Definition of nothing for English Language Learners

NOTHING Defined for Kids

nothing

Definition of nothing for Students

nothing

Definition of nothing for Students

nothing

Definition of nothing for Students

nothingness

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