adjective
zeroth
ZEER-ohth
Zeroth (adjective) means coming first in a sequence that is numbered starting from zero rather than one. Example: “The zeroth element of the array holds the first value stored.”
adjective
1
technical Coming first in a sequence that is numbered starting from zero rather than one.
"The zeroth element of the array holds the first value stored."
"In this list, the zeroth item is the header, and the first real entry comes after it."
2
Coming in the position immediately before what is normally called the first.
"He called it the zeroth draft, written before the official first draft began."
"The zeroth step is really just preparation before the numbered steps start."
How to use zeroth
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishZeroth just means the one that comes before what you'd normally call first, when counting starts at zero.
When to use it
It turns up mostly in mathematics, computing and similarly technical writing.
Memory tip
If a list is numbered from zero, the zeroth item is the very first one you see.
Trace the full origin ↓
Common pairings
zeroth element
zeroth index
zeroth step
zeroth order
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The _____ element of the array holds the first value stored.
Etymology
Zeroth is formed from the word zero with the ordinal suffix -th added, in the same way that fourth is formed from four.
Frequently asked questions
What does zeroth mean?
It is the ordinal word for zero, describing whatever comes first in a sequence that starts counting from zero instead of one.
Why do some lists start at zeroth instead of first?
Certain fields, especially mathematics and computing, number sequences from zero, so the very first item is called the zeroth rather than the first.
Is zeroth a real word?
Yes, it is a standard ordinal formed from zero plus the suffix -th, and it is commonly used in mathematics and computing.
What is the meaning of zeroth?
"zeroth" (adjective) means coming first in a sequence that is numbered starting from zero rather than one.
