Zero is a word for the number 0, for nothing, and for a starting or reference point in measurementThe process of finding size, amount, or distance using a standard unit.. It can also be used as an adjective or verb in technicalRelating to a special subject, skill, or specialized methods. contextsSituations or settings in which a word or action is used., especially in math, science, and shooting.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-25. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Pronunciation
AI-generated pronunciation audio (OpenAI).
Accent: General American English
IPA: /ˈzɪroʊ/
Easy pronunciation: ZEE-roh (approximate spelling).
Stress: Stress the first syllable.
Noun meaning the number 0.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: uncertain — manual review needed. Checked: 2026-10-25. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Zero Meaning
the number 0
Part of speech: noun
Definition: a mathematical element that when added to another number yields the same number
Example: She wrote zero next to his name on the score sheet.
Synonyms for this meaning:
- 0 — The numeral used to represent zero.
- nought — A British English word for zero.
- cipher — An older or more formal word for zero in some contexts.
- cypher — Variant spelling of cipher.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-25. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Other Meanings of Zero
Meaning 2
nothing; no amount at all
Part of speech: noun
Definition: a quantity of no importance
Example: After the refund, the extra charge was a nil.
Synonyms for this meaning:
- aught — An old-fashioned word meaning nothing.
- goose egg — Informal for zero or nothing, often in scores.
- nada — Informal word for nothing.
- naught — An old-fashioned word for nothing.
- nil — Common in scores and measurements.
- nix — Informal for nothing or none.
- nothing — Direct everyday substitute.
- null — Used in technical or formal contexts for absence or no value.
- zilch — Informal word for nothing.
- zip — Informal word for nothing.
- zippo — Informal word for nothing.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: inaccurate — correction needed. Checked: 2026-10-25. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Zero Synonyms
Similar Meaning
- 0
- nought
- cipher
- cypher
a quantity of no importance
- aught
- goose egg
- nada
- naught
- nil
- nix
- nothing
- null
- zilch
- zip
- zippo
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: uncertain — manual review needed. Checked: 2026-10-25. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Common Mistakes
- Do not confuse zero the number with zero as a verb meaning to adjust a gun or instrument.
- Do not use zero point as if it simply means zero; it refers to a measurement origin or calibration point.
- Spelling variants cipher and cypher are not separate meanings, just different spellings of the same synonym.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-25. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does zero mean?
Zero usually means the number 0, or it can mean nothing or no amount at all in more informal use.
What is a synonym for zero?
For the number, common synonyms include 0 and nought. For the meaning “nothing,” words like nil, nothing, and zilch can work.
Is zero the same as nothing?
Not exactly. Zero is a number, while nothing means the absence of anything, but in some casual uses they overlap.
What does zero point mean?
Zero point is a reference point on a scale, especially in measurement or physics. It is not just another word for zero.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-25. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
