nothing

Nothing is defined as no existence, or of no importance.

(pronoun)

An example of nothing used as a pronoun is in the sentence, "Nothing is wrong," which means that there are no problems.

The definition of nothing is the absence of something, or zero.

(noun)

An example of nothing used as a noun is in the sentence, "There is nothing in the box," which means that the box is empty.

Nothing means in no way.

(adverb)

An example of nothing used as an adverb is in the phrase "nothing gained," which means that there were no gains.

YourDictionary definition and usage example. Copyright © 2013 by LoveToKnow Corp.

See nothing in Webster's New World College Dictionary

pronoun

    1. no thing; not anything; naught
    2. no part, element, trace, etc.: nothing of kindness in him
    1. something of little or no value, seriousness, etc.; trifle
    2. a person considered to be of no value or importance

Origin: ME < OE na thing, nan thing

noun

  1. nonexistence; nothingness
  2. a thing that does not exist
    1. something of little or no value, seriousness, etc.; trifle
    2. a person considered to be of no value or importance
  3. a naught; zero; cipher

adverb

not at all; in no manner or degree: nothing daunted

See nothing in American Heritage Dictionary 4

pron.
  1. No thing; not anything: The box contained nothing. I've heard nothing about it.
  2. No part; no portion: Nothing remains of the old house but the cellar hole.
  3. One of no consequence, significance, or interest: The new nonsmoking policy is nothing to me.
noun
  1. Something that has no existence.
  2. Something that has no quantitative value; zero: a score of two to nothing.
  3. One that has no substance or importance; a nonentity: “A nothing is a dreadful thing to hold onto” (Edna O'Brien).
adjective
Insignificant or worthless: “the utterly nothing role of a wealthy suitor” (Bosley Crowther).
adverb
In no way or degree; not at all: She looks nothing like her sister.

Origin:

Origin: Middle English

Origin: , from Old English nāthing

Origin: : , no; see no 2

Origin: + thing, thing; see thing

.

Usage Note: According to the traditional rule, nothing is invariably treated as a singular, even when followed by an exception phrase containing a plural noun: Nothing except your fears stands (not stand) in your way. Nothing but roses meets (not meet) the eye. See Usage Note at none.

Learn more about nothing

link/cite print suggestion box