Nought: meaning, definitions and examples

Used primarily in British English, often in technical or mathematical contexts.

• The final score was two nought.
• In the equation, x equals nought.

Often used in both technical and everyday contexts, can emphasize the complete lack of something. Frequently used in American English.

• The temperature dropped to zero degrees.
• We have zero tolerance for bullying.

Commonly used in British English, especially in sports scores.

• The match ended in a three-nil victory.
• Our team scored two goals to nil.

Used in everyday conversation to indicate the absence of anything, emphasizing lack or non-existence.

• There's nothing in the fridge.
• He has nothing to say.

Note: This seems like a duplicate and should be addressed as 'nought' as earlier.

Used to indicate the absence of anything or to emphasize the lack of value or importance of something.

• There's nothing in the fridge.
• She said nothing during the meeting.

Used in everyday language to represent the number zero or to describe situations of absolute absence or none.

• He scored zero on the test.
• They have zero tolerance for violence.

Commonly used in sports and formal contexts to indicate a score of zero.

• The match ended with a score of three-nil.
• Their chances of winning are virtually nil.