1
a
chiefly Scotland
: not
b
—used as a function word to express the negative of an alternative choice or possibility
shall we go out to dinner or no
2
: in no respect or degree
—used in comparisons
you're no better than the rest of us
3
: not so
—used to express negation, dissent, denial, or refusal
no, I'm not going
4
—used with a following adjective to imply a meaning expressed by the opposite positive statement
in no uncertain terms
5
—used as a function word to emphasize a following negative or to introduce a more emphatic, explicit, or comprehensive statement
it's big, no, it's gigantic
6
—used as an interjection to express surprise, doubt, or incredulity
7
—used in combination with a verb to form a compound adjective
no-bake pie
8
: in negation
shook his head no
1
a
: not any
no parking
no disputing the decision
b
: hardly any : very little
finished in no time
2
: not a : quite other than a
he's no expert
3
—used in combination with a noun to form a compound adjective
a no-nonsense realist
plural noes or nos
ˈnōz 
1
: an act or instance of refusing or denying by the use of the word no : denial
received a firm no in reply
2
a
: a negative vote or decision
b
noes or nos plural
: persons voting in the negative
1
north; northern
2
[Latin numero, ablative of numerus]
number
No
5 of 6less common spelling of noh
nobelium
Examples of no in a Sentence
Adverb
She shook her head no.
this cake is no better than the last one we made
Adjective
She said she had no money.
I wanted no part of the plan.
They showed no concern for my feelings.
people with little or no experience with computers
Noun
There were 110 ayes and only 16 noes.
The noes raised their hands.
Recent Examples on the Web
Lily Templeton, Footwear News, 14 Apr. 2025
What if everyone, no matter their business or industry, approached customer interactions with that level of commitment?
—Shep Hyken, Forbes.com, 13 Apr. 2025
Stephanie Osmanski, Southern Living, 27 Mar. 2024
The offensive line needs three new starters and more clarity as to the quality of its backups, with few no-doubter candidates.
—Nathan Baird, cleveland, 20 Jan. 2023
John Aguilar, Denver Post, 13 Apr. 2025
According to a new Microsoft security advisory update, the answer to the last of these questions is a resounding no.
—Davey Winder, Forbes.com, 13 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for no
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Adverb
Your outlook for 2025: To keep moving forward, on and on, no matter what.
—Lily Templeton, Footwear News, 14 Apr. 2025
What if everyone, no matter their business or industry, approached customer interactions with that level of commitment?
—Shep Hyken, Forbes.com, 13 Apr. 2025
Adjective
With no itchy seams and a blended no-static material, this shirt is designed for running and reduces chafing, retains shape, stretches further than other fabrics, and uses mesh to maximize breathability during cardio heavy training.
—Stephanie Osmanski, Southern Living, 27 Mar. 2024
The offensive line needs three new starters and more clarity as to the quality of its backups, with few no-doubter candidates.
—Nathan Baird, cleveland, 20 Jan. 2023
Noun
While Littleton has tabled its rezoning ordinance indefinitely, that doesn’t mean residents are a hard no for any type of effort to bolster density in the city.
—John Aguilar, Denver Post, 13 Apr. 2025
According to a new Microsoft security advisory update, the answer to the last of these questions is a resounding no.
—Davey Winder, Forbes.com, 13 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for no
Cite this Entry
“No.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/no. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
no
1 of 3 adverb1
—used to express the negative of an alternative
shall we go to the game or no
2
: in no respect or degree
—used in comparisons
it is no better than I expected it to be
3
: not so
—used to express disagreement or refusal
no, I'm not hungry
4
—used with a following adjective to imply a meaning expressed by the opposite positive statement
no uncertain terms
5
—used to emphasize a following negative or to introduce a statement that is clearer or has more emphasis
has the right, no, the duty, to continue
6
—used to express surprise, doubt, or disbelief
no—you don't say
no
2 of 3 adjective1
a
: not any
has no money
b
: hardly any : very little
finished in no time
2
: not a
I'm no expert
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