naught
Naught (pron) means Nothing; zero. Example: “All his efforts came to naught.”
How to use naught
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishAn old-fashioned or literary word for "nothing."
Don't confuse with "naughty" (misbehaving) — they look similar but are unrelated in modern use.
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
All his efforts came to _____.
Etymology
From Old English nawiht, literally "no thing" — built from ne ("not") plus wiht ("thing, creature"), the same wiht that survives in "wight."
Rhymes for naught
See all rhymes for naught →Frequently asked questions
What does “naught” mean?
The word “naught” means nothing; zero. In plain terms, an old-fashioned or literary word for "nothing.".
How do you pronounce “naught”?
“Naught” is pronounced nawt (/nɔːt/ in IPA).
How do you use “naught” in a sentence?
Here is “naught” used in a sentence: “All his efforts came to naught.”
What part of speech is “naught”?
“Naught” is a pronoun.
Where does the word “naught” come from?
The word “naught” comes from Old English. From Old English nawiht, literally "no thing" — built from ne ("not") plus wiht ("thing, creature"), the same wiht that survives in "wight.".