non-

American  

1. a prefix meaning “not,” freely used as an English formative, usually with a simple negative force as implying mere negation or absence of something (rather than the opposite or reverse of it, as often expressed byun- ): nonadherence; noninterference; nonpayment; nonprofessional .

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non- British  

prefix

1. indicating negation

   nonexistent

2. indicating refusal or failure

   noncooperation

3. indicating exclusion from a specified class of persons or things

   nonfiction

4. indicating lack or absence, esp of a quality associated with what is specified

   nonobjective

   nonevent

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Etymology

Origin of non-

A prefix representing the Latin adverb nōn “not”

Example Sentences

Members of this generation, who were born between 1997 and 2012, prefer non- or low-alcohol drinks.

From MarketWatch • Dec. 23, 2025

Thus far, the shift has proved fruitful: In 2022, the non- and low-alcoholic beverage industry surpassed $11 billion in market value.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 25, 2023

He spent about 40 minutes giving his statement, and after that, the court ruled on the motion that the state's attorney brought and vacated a non-

From Salon • Apr. 5, 2023

Students of drinking age were welcomed, and homework got done here; pretty damn good burgers, veggie and non-, were served; UNO was played.

From Seattle Times • Feb. 23, 2023

Seldom is any mention made of an operation which is non- associative, so the definition seems unnecessary at best.

From "Innumeracy: Mathematical Illiteracy and Its Consequences" by John Allen Paulos