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
Synonyms
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
Lynn Yaeger, Vogue, 27 Nov. 2024
Understanding how to leverage artificial intelligence has become essential for all employees, no matter the industry.
—Gordon Pelosse, Forbes, 27 Nov. 2024
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
Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 18 Aug. 2024
And the yes vote in the new poll, though short of 50%, was well ahead of the no.
—Doug Smith, Los Angeles Times, 17 Aug. 2024
See all Example Sentences for no 
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Adverb
After all, a ballerina twirling in her jewelry box home keeps spinning no matter what is going on outside her little universe.
—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.
—Noun
Coraline 15th Anniversary notched a nice no. 5 at the domestic box office with $8.63 million for the three-day weekend on 1,603 screens.
—Dictionary Entries Near no
Cite this Entry
“No.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/no. Accessed 2 Dec. 2024.
Kids 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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