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

Burge said the nones are rising as the Christian population declines, particularly the “mainline” or moderate to liberal Protestants.

From Seattle Times • Oct. 4, 2023

That’s according to a large majority of nones in the AP-NORC survey.

From Seattle Times • Oct. 4, 2023

But nones said in interviews they were happy to leave religion behind, particularly in toxic situations, and find community elsewhere.

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