ground zero

American  

noun

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

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

3. Informal. the very beginning or most elementary level.

   Some of the students are starting from ground zero.

---

ground zero British  

noun

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

2. a scene of great devastation

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

---

Etymology

Origin of ground zero

First recorded in 1945–50

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

ground zero

Kirchner’s disappearance looms over what has become ground zero for a hardening resistance to the world’s hottest technology.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 12, 2026

The Golden State’s deep pool of talent, rich investors and other tech infrastructure have made it ground zero for the artificial intelligence explosion.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 10, 2026

In Sants market in central Barcelona, just a few kilometres away from the ASF outbreak's ground zero, shoppers seemed reassured by the authorities' response.

From BBC ● Apr. 5, 2026

“BDCs are ground zero for value opportunity,” says Stephen O’Neill, portfolio manager at RiverNorth, a specialist in closed-end fund and BDC investments.

From Barron's ● Feb. 27, 2026

Both women stayed at the elegant Hermitage Hotel, which became ground zero in the suffrage fight.

From "Votes for Women!" by Winifred Conkling

Related Words

• ambition
• aspiration
• intention
• purpose
• target