nones

¹ American  

[nohnz] / noʊnz /

noun

Ecclesiastical.

1. the fifth of the seven canonical hours, or the service for it, originally fixed for the ninth hour of the day (or 3 p.m.).

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nones ² American  

[nohnz] / noʊnz /

noun

(used with a singular or plural verb)

1. (in the ancient Roman calendar) the ninth day before the ides, both days included: the seventh of March, May, July, and October, and the fifth of the other months.

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nones British  

/ nəʊnz /

noun

1. (in the Roman calendar) the ninth day before the ides of each month: the seventh day of March, May, July, and October, and the fifth of each other month See also calends

2. RC Church the fifth of the seven canonical hours of the divine office, originally fixed at the ninth hour of the day, about 3 pm

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Etymology

Origin of nones¹

1375–1425; late Middle English; plural of none ²

Origin of nones²

1375–1425; late Middle English; Anglicization of Latin nōnae, originally feminine plural of nōnus ninth

Example Sentences

The "nones" are the biggest religious group now, outnumbering both evangelicals and Catholics.

From Salon • Sep. 30, 2024

Forty-three percent of those 18 to 29 are nones, while 52% identify as Christians and 4% are affiliated with other religions.

From Seattle Times • Oct. 4, 2023

Monsignor Sergio Buenanueva, a bishop in Argentina’s Cordoba province, said the church must be less judgmental and more tolerant to reach the nones, especially young people, and bring them back.

From Seattle Times • Oct. 4, 2023

The statistics show the nones are well-represented in every age group, but especially among young adults.

From Seattle Times • Oct. 4, 2023

And not a dewdrop fell from grass till midday, and wind would not touch a beast's tail until nones.

From The Harvard Classics, Volume 49, Epic and Saga With Introductions And Notes by Eliot, Charles William