nary

American  

[nair-ee] / ˈnɛər i /

adjective

Older Use.

1. not any; no; never a.

   nary a sound.

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nary British  

/ ˈnɛərɪ /

adverb

1. dialect not; never

   nary a man was left

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Etymology

Origin of nary

First recorded in 1740–50; variant of ne'er a never a

Explanation

Use the adjective nary to mean "none," or "not a single one." If you hope for a snowy morning, when you wake up you'll be sad to see nary a snowflake. Nary is an old fashioned and informal way to say "not." You might describe your friend's sad, empty book shelves with nary a novel on them, or your bald great uncle, who has nary a hair on his head. The word has been around since the mid-1700s, from never a, which was then shortened to ne'er a, and finally nary.

Example Sentences

“It does seem like, in some ways, having a control situation like that can empower the leader and the company” says Paul Nary, a strategy professor at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 6, 2026

Nary a text was sent for the remainder of the movie, but please, keep your adulation and bouquets of roses.

From Salon • Jan. 1, 2025

Nary an interview goes by when he isn’t thanking God or making a religious reference to describe what helped him score a goal that night or become a productive NHL player overall.

From Seattle Times • Mar. 22, 2023

Nary a game, a point, a stroke or, indeed, a step came with a hint of insouciance.

From Washington Times • May 31, 2022

"Nary ford, this time o' year, strangers," reproved a red-shirted miner.

From The Pike's Peak Rush Terry in the New Gold Fields by Sabin, Edwin L. (Edwin Legrand)