ground zero

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noun

the point on the surface of the earth or water directly below, directly above, or at which an atomic or hydrogen bomb explodes.

(sometimes initial capital letters) the site of the former World Trade Center in New York City, destroyed in the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.

Informal. the very beginning or most elementary level: Some of the students are starting from ground zero.

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Origin of ground zero

First recorded in 1945–50

Words nearby ground zero

ground ways, ground wire, groundwood, groundwood pulp, groundwork, ground zero, group, group annuity, group captain, group dynamics, grouper

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use ground zero in a sentence

For every nanosecond that I miraculously lift off the ground, I land with an inordinately loud thud.
How Taryn Toomey’s ‘The Class’ Became New York’s Latest Fitness Craze|Lizzie Crocker|January 9, 2015|DAILY BEAST
That article noted that the F-35 does not currently have the ability to down-link live video to ground troops,.
Pentagon Misfires in Stealth Jet Scandal|Dave Majumdar|January 8, 2015|DAILY BEAST
That ground hold was to stop you flying through weather that could kill you and everyone else aboard.
Annoying Airport Delays Might Prevent You From Becoming the Next AirAsia 8501|Clive Irving|January 6, 2015|DAILY BEAST
The Eighty-ninth Congress was potentially more fertile ground for the broad range of controversial programs on his dream agenda.
Thank Congress, Not LBJ for Great Society|Julian Zelizer, Scott Porch|January 4, 2015|DAILY BEAST

“I feel a shaking of the ground I stand on,” Carson tells Mrs. Hughes with trepidation.
What Downton’s Fashion Really Means|Katie Baker|January 2, 2015|DAILY BEAST
A desultory conversation on politics, in which neither took the slightest interest, was a safe neutral ground.
The Pit Town Coronet, Volume I (of 3)|Charles James Wills
He didn't need to wait—as the birds did—until an angleworm stuck his head above ground.
The Tale of Grandfather Mole|Arthur Scott Bailey
The Vine is a universal favorite, and rarely out of view; while it often seems to cover half the ground in sight.
Glances at Europe|Horace Greeley
Entrez donc, 'tis the work of one of your compatriots; and here, though a heretic, you may consider yourself on English ground.
Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine, Volume 60, No. 372, October 1846|Various
Then the enemy's howitzers and field guns had it all their own way, forcing attack to yield a lot of ground.
Gallipoli Diary, Volume I|Ian Hamilton

British Dictionary definitions for ground zero

ground zero

noun

a point on the surface of land or water at or directly above or below the centre of a nuclear explosion

a scene of great devastation

(sometimes capitals) the name given to the devastated site of the collapsed World Trade Center towers in New York after September 11 2001

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

ground zero

Origin of ground zero

Words nearby ground zero

Words related to ground zero

How to use ground zero in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for ground zero