noun
zillion
ZIHL-yuhn
Zillion (noun) means an extremely large, unspecified number. Example: “I've told you a zillion times to lock the door.”
noun
1
An extremely large, unspecified number.
""We are certainly not blaming lower socioeconomic families for not talking to their kids - there are probably a zillion reasons why that happens.""
— , Brain tests show child wealth gap (2008)
"I've told you a zillion times to lock the door."
"There must be a zillion emails in my inbox by now."
How to use zillion
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA made-up huge number, used for exaggeration rather than any precise amount.
When to use it
Informal and hyperbolic — never used in technical or formal contexts.
Common pairings
a zillion times
a zillion dollars
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like zillion.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Plural
- zillions
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
I've told you a _____ times to lock the door.
Etymology
An invented word from around 1916, modeled loosely on "million," "billion," and "trillion" but with no exact value.
Class of 1916
zillion joined the language around 1916.
See the full Class of 1916 →
Related words
Rhymes for zillion
region
ablation
allusion
emulsion
ideation
novation
diffusion
elocution
extension
oxidation
perfusion
selection
See all rhymes for zillion →
Frequently asked questions
What does “zillion” mean?
The word “zillion” means an extremely large, unspecified number. In plain terms, a made-up huge number, used for exaggeration rather than any precise amount.
How do you pronounce “zillion”?
“Zillion” is pronounced ZIHL-yuhn (/ˈzɪljən/ in IPA).
How do you use “zillion” in a sentence?
Here is “zillion” used in a sentence: “I've told you a zillion times to lock the door.”
What part of speech is “zillion”?
“Zillion” is a noun.
Where does the word “zillion” come from?
The word “zillion” dates back to around 1916. An invented word from around 1916, modeled loosely on "million," "billion," and "trillion" but with no exact value.
Featured in
Vocabulary lists that include zillion:
