What’s the plural of “zero”?
The plural of the noun zero is zeroes or zeros. For the most part, nouns that end in –o take on –es or –s to denote a plural noun form.
Is zero singular or plural?
Zero, as in the non-number represented by the digits ‘0‘ is the correct way to refer to the number and noun as a singular. Zeros/zeroes are plural.
Consider sentences like, “Zero is a significant concept in mathematics,” where “zero” is clearly singular. Conversely, “There are two zeros in the number 200” uses the plural “zeros.” The grammatical number of “zero” depends entirely on its usage. When referring to the numerical concept itself, it’s singular. When referring to multiple instances of the digit 0, it’s plural. Therefore, context dictates whether to use “zero” or “zeros,” ensuring grammatical accuracy.
What’s the definition of zero?
The word and figure zero refers to “no quantity or number; naught; the figure 0.”
This encompasses absence, the starting point on a number line, and a placeholder in numerical systems like 10 or 100. Zero signifies the absence of magnitude, contrasting with positive and negative values. Consider it the neutral element in addition; adding zero doesn’t change a number (a + 0 = a). Grammatically, “zero” is a noun, but it can also function as an adjective, as in “zero tolerance.” Its significance extends beyond simple counting to advanced mathematics and computer science.
Nouns that end in -o
The following are nouns that end in the vowel –o, and similarly convert to showcase a plural noun form:
| singular nouns ending in “-o” | plural “-es” / “-s” |
| zero | zeroes or zeros |
| tomato | tomatoes |
| buffalo | buffaloes or buffalos |
| potato | potatoes |
| hero | heroes |
| volcano | volcanos or volcanoes |
Remember that “zero” is singular when referring to the concept of nothingness or the number itself, but plural (“zeros” or “zeroes”) when referring to multiple instances of the digit 0. Think about whether you’re talking about the *concept* of zero or multiple *occurrences* of the digit.
Examples with “zero” in application
1. Dean pushed each of the four buzzers, with zero response.
2. The temperature is 10° above zero.
3. Two minus two equals zero.
4. They are working to reduce the mortality rate to zero.
5. It’s supposed to fall below zero tonight.
Sentences with “zeros”/”zeroes” (plural)
1. A googolplex is a 10 with a googol zeros after it.
2. All values must be given to the correct precision, including trailing zeros.
3. Transporter are handled not as ones and zeroes, but as precision analog signals.
4. She blinked and read it again, counting the zeros to assure that she had read it properly.
5. According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, the plural of “zero” can either be “zeros” or “zeroes“.
Origin of the word zero
From etymonline on zero:
Figure which stands for naught in the Arabic notation,” also “the absence of all quantity considered as quantity,” c. 1600, from French zéro or directly from Italian zero, from Medieval Latin zephirum.
Read more about nouns
| Types of nouns | What’s the plural of …? |
|---|---|
| plural-only nouns | …moose? |
| mass nouns | …octopus? |
| collective nouns | …cactus? |
| abstract nouns vs. concrete nouns | …analysis? |
| possessive nouns | …curriculum? |
| regular and irregular nouns | …crisis? |
Medieval Latin *zephirum* itself derives from Arabic *ṣifr*, meaning “empty.” This ultimately traces back to the Sanskrit word *śūnya*, also signifying “void” or “emptiness.” Note the shift in meaning; while initially representing absence, *zero* evolved to denote a numerical placeholder and a crucial element in positional number systems. The plural form, “zeros,” follows standard English pluralization rules for nouns ending in “-o.” Understanding its diverse linguistic origins illuminates the global journey of this fundamental mathematical concept.
Worksheet
What is the plural of the word “zero”?
In the sentence, “There are two ______ in 200,” which word correctly fills the blank?
Is the word “zero” singular or plural when referring to the numerical concept itself?
Which sentence uses “zero” correctly?
How do nouns ending in ‘-o’ typically form their plurals?
What is the correct plural form to describe multiple instances of the digit 0?
In the number 10,000, how many zeros are there?
Which of these sentences is grammatically incorrect?
What does the word “zero” refer to?
When is “zeros” the correct plural form to use?
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the plural of “zero”?
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Is “zeroes” or “zeros” grammatically correct?
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When is “zero” singular, and when is it plural?
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Is it correct to say “There is three zero in the number 3000”?
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Is it correct to say “Zeroes is a significant concept in mathematics”?
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Sources
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Definition of zero.
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Origin of the word zero.
Grammar Expert. "Whats The Plural Of Zero." GrammarFlex, May 31, 2025, https://www.grammarflex.com/whats-the-plural-of-zero/.
