nothing
pron
1 indefinite no thing; not anything, as of an implied or specified class of things
I can give you nothing
2 no part or share
to have nothing to do with this crime
3 a matter of no importance or significance
it doesn't matter, it's nothing
4 indicating the absence of anything perceptible; nothingness
5 indicating the absence of meaning, value, worth, etc.
to amount to nothing
a not to concern or be significant to (someone)
b to be not nearly as good as
8 ♦
have or be nothing to do with to have no connection with
9 ♦
have (got) nothing on
a to have no engagements to keep
b to be undressed or naked
c Informal to compare unfavourably with
10 ♦
in nothing flat
Informal in almost no time; very quickly or soon
11 ♦
nothing but not something other than; only
12 ♦
nothing doing
Informal an expression of dismissal, disapproval, lack of compliance with a request, etc.
13 ♦
nothing if not at the very least; certainly
14 ♦
nothing less than or nothing short of downright; truly
15 ♦
(there's) nothing for it (there's) no choice; no other course
16 ♦
there's nothing like a general expression of praise
there's nothing like a good cup of tea
17 ♦
there's nothing to it it is very simple, easy, etc.
a to regard as routine, easy, or natural
b to have no compunction or hesitation about
c to have a very low opinion of
19 ♦
to say nothing of as well as; even disregarding
he was warmly dressed in a shirt and heavy jumper, to say nothing of his thick overcoat
20 ♦
stop at nothing to be prepared to do anything; be unscrupulous or ruthless
adv
21 in no way; not at all
he looked nothing like his brother
n
22 Informal a person or thing of no importance or significance
23 ♦
sweet nothings words of endearment or affection
(Old English nathing, nan thing, from nan none1 + thing1)
Nothing normally takes a singular verb, but when nothing but is followed by a plural form of a noun, a plural verb is usually used: it was a large room where nothing but souvenirs were sold