First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
1nothing
pronoun noth·ing \ˈnə-thiŋ\
: not anything : not a thing
: someone or something that has no interest, value, or importance
Full 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>
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Origin of NOTHING
Middle English, from Old English nān thing, nāthing, from nān no + thing thing — more at none
2nothing
adverb
: not at all : in no way
Full 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
First Known Use of NOTHING
12th century
3nothing
noun
: empty space
: the number 0
: someone or something that has little or no worth, importance, or influence
Full 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
First Known Use of NOTHING
1535
Related to NOTHING
- Synonyms
- cipher, dwarf, half-pint, insect, insignificancy, lightweight, morsel, nonentity, nobody, nullity, number, pip-squeak, pygmy (also pigmy), shrimp, snippersnapper, twerp, whippersnapper, zero, zilch
4nothing
adjective
NOTHING Defined for Kids
1nothing
pronoun noth·ing \ˈnə-thiŋ\
Definition of NOTHING for Kids
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.>
2nothing
adverb
Definition of NOTHING for Kids
: not at all : in no way <He is nothing like his brother.>
3nothing
noun
Definition of NOTHING for Kids
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.>
— noth·ing·ness noun
— for nothing
1
: for no reason <We did all that work for nothing.>
2
: for no money
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