adj

nary

NEH-uh-ree

Nary (adj) means not any; not a single one — an old-fashioned or dialect way of saying "no.". Example: “There was nary a cloud in the sky all afternoon.”

adj

Not any; not a single one — an old-fashioned or dialect way of saying "no."

"There was nary a cloud in the sky all afternoon."

"He searched the cupboard but found nary a crumb."

How to use nary

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishAn old, folksy way of saying "not a single" — as in "nary a word was spoken."

When to use it

Sounds old-fashioned or rural; mostly seen in literature, folk speech, or for deliberate quaint effect, not everyday conversation.

Common pairings

nary a word nary a soul nary a sound

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There was _____ a cloud in the sky all afternoon.

Etymology

Formed by squashing together "ne'er" (never) and "a" — so "nary a" originally just meant "never a."

Rhymes for nary

vary Mary wary Gary diary ovary weary apiary canary salary binary January

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Frequently asked questions

What does “nary” mean?

The word “nary” means not any; not a single one — an old-fashioned or dialect way of saying "no.". In plain terms, an old, folksy way of saying "not a single" — as in "nary a word was spoken.".

How do you pronounce “nary”?

“Nary” is pronounced NEH-uh-ree (/ˈnɛɚ.i/ in IPA).

How do you use “nary” in a sentence?

Here is “nary” used in a sentence: “There was nary a cloud in the sky all afternoon.”

What part of speech is “nary”?

“Nary” is an adjective.