plural zeros also zeroes
1
a
: the arithmetical symbol 0 or 0̸ denoting the absence of all magnitude or quantity
b
: additive identity
specifically
: the number between the set of all negative numbers and the set of all positive numbers
c
: a value of an independent variable that makes a function equal to zero
+2 and −2 are zeros of f(x)=x2−4
2
: the absence of a measurable quantity see Table of Numbers
3
a(1)
: the point of departure in reckoning
specifically
: the point from which the graduation of a scale (as of a thermometer) begins
(2)
: the temperature represented by the zero mark on a thermometer
b
: the setting or adjustment of the sights of a firearm that causes it to shoot to point of aim at a desired range
4
: an insignificant person or thing : nonentity
5
a
: a state of total absence or neutrality
b
: the lowest point : nadir
6
: something arbitrarily or conveniently designated zero
1
a
: of, relating to, or being a zero
b
: having no magnitude or quantity : not any
zero growth
zero tolerance
c(1)
: having no phonetic manifestation
the zero modification in the past tense of cut
(2)
: having no modified inflectional form
a zero plural
2
a
of a cloud ceiling
: limiting vision to 50 feet (15 meters) or less
b
of horizontal visibility
: limited to 165 feet (50.3 meters) or less
zeroed; zeroing; zeroes
1
: to determine or adjust the zero of
zero a rifle
2
a
: to concentrate firepower on the exact range of
—usually used with in
b
: to bring to bear on the exact range of a target
—usually used with in
1
: to adjust fire on a specific target
—usually used with in
2
: to close in on or focus attention on an objective
—usually used with in
investigators are zeroing in on a suspect
Synonyms
Examples of zero in a Sentence
Noun
Two minus two equals zero.
It's supposed to fall below zero tonight.
The temperature is 10° above zero.
They are working to reduce the mortality rate to zero.
Recent Examples on the Web
Alex Cranz, The Verge, 15 May 2024
The Dodgers then got consecutive zeros from Michael Grove, Daniel Hudson and, in the bottom of the ninth, Blake Treinen — who recorded a crucial pick-off at first base to post his fourth scoreless outing since returning from injury.
—Jack Harris, Los Angeles Times, 14 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for zero 
Noun
There is a possibility in some far future to create a real digital consciousness from ones and zeroes.
—Alex Cranz, The Verge, 15 May 2024
The Dodgers then got consecutive zeros from Michael Grove, Daniel Hudson and, in the bottom of the ninth, Blake Treinen — who recorded a crucial pick-off at first base to post his fourth scoreless outing since returning from injury.
—Jack Harris, Los Angeles Times, 14 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for zero
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'zero.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near zero
Cite this Entry
“Zero.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/zero. Accessed 3 Jun. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
zero
1 of 3 noun
ze·ro
ˈzē-rō 
ˈzi(ə)r-ō
plural zeros also zeroes
1
: the numerical symbol 0 meaning the absence of all magnitude or quantity see number
2
a
: a point (as on a scale) from which measurements are made
b
: a value or reading of zero
especially
: the temperature represented by zero on a thermometer
3
: something or someone of no importance
4
: the lowest point
zero
2 of 3 adjective1
a
: of, relating to, or being a zero
b
: having no size or quantity
zero growth
2
: showing no change in the word form
"sheep" is a noun with a zero plural
zero
3 of 3 verb1
: to find out or adjust the zero of (as a balance)
2
: to aim or concentrate on a target or goal
zero in on my problems with algebra
Medical Definition
zero
noun
ze·ro
ˈzē-(ˌ)rō
ˈzi(ə)r-(ˌ)ō
ˈzi(ə)r-(ˌ)ō
plural zeros also zeroes
1
: the arithmetical symbol 0 or 0̸ denoting the absence of all magnitude or quantity
2
a
: the point of departure in reckoning
specifically
: the point from which the graduation of a scale (as of a thermometer) begins
b
: the temperature represented by the zero mark on a thermometer
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