nu

[ noo, nyoo ]

/ nu, nyu /

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noun

the 13th letter of the Greek alphabet (Ν, ν).

the consonant sound represented by this letter.

QUIZ

CAN YOU ANSWER THESE COMMON GRAMMAR DEBATES?

There are grammar debates that never die; and the ones highlighted in the questions in this quiz are sure to rile everyone up once again. Do you know how to answer the questions that cause some of the greatest grammar debates?

Question 1 of 7

Which sentence is correct?

His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Origin of nu

1885–90; <Greek nû<Semitic; cf. nun²

Other definitions for nu (2 of 3)

nu²

[ noo ]

/ nu /

interjection

well? so? so what?

Origin of nu

1890–95; <Yiddish; cognate with Old High German, Middle High German nū (adv. and conjunction), German nu (dial. and colloquial) well! well now! See now

Other definitions for nu (3 of 3)

[ noo ]

/ nu /

noun

[oo], /u/, Thauin Nu, 1907–1995, Burmese political leader: prime minister 1948–56, 1957–58, 1960–62.

Egyptian Religion Nun.

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

How to use nu in a sentence

Nu Nu Yin, 30, left her accounting job in August to open Fantastic Inle Travel & Tours with her lover.
A Little Too Off the Beaten Path in Burma|Katya Cengel|June 2, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Russ Chimes is determined to make fans bust out their best moves with his nu disco, indie-dance track, “Turn Me Out.”
Alicia Keys, Will.i.am & More Best Music Videos of the Week (VIDEO)|Jean Trinh|April 26, 2013|DAILY BEAST
But nu, this is his job, and he is not here to tell us anything, only to seem to have said something.
Oren Makes Friends, Not News|Jacob Silverman|October 16, 2012|DAILY BEAST
The rap/nu metal entrepreneur Kid Rock reinvented himself as a country star.
Gwyneth Paltrow and the Rise of the Country Carpetbagger|Bryan Curtis|January 6, 2011|DAILY BEAST

Nu was the spirit of the primordial deep, and Nut of the waters above the heavens, the mother of moon and sun and the stars.
Myths of Babylonia and Assyria|Donald A. Mackenzie
These are a kind ov noshuns that reside in Nu England, but travel awl over the world.
Josh Billings, Hiz Sayings|Henry Wheeler Shaw
Humin natur is the same all over the world, cept in Nu England, and thar its akordin tu sarcumstances.
Josh Billings, Hiz Sayings|Henry Wheeler Shaw
"Solaman was a wize man," but when he ced thar warnt enny thing nu under the sun, he hadn't herd ov Hudsin River time tables.
Josh Billings, Hiz Sayings|Henry Wheeler Shaw
False dignity is the effeck ov nu clothes, no branes and mutch vittles.
Josh Billings, Hiz Sayings|Henry Wheeler Shaw

British Dictionary definitions for nu (1 of 4)

nu¹

/ (njuː) /

noun

the 13th letter in the Greek alphabet (Ν, ν), a consonant, transliterated as n

Word Origin for nu

from Greek, of Semitic origin; compare nun ²

British Dictionary definitions for nu (2 of 4)

nu²

the internet domain name for

Niue

British Dictionary definitions for nu (3 of 4)

/ (njuː) /

noun

U (uː), original name Thakin Nu. 1907–95, Burmese statesman and writer; prime minister (1948–56, 1957–58, 1960–62). He attempted to establish parliamentary democracy, but was ousted (1962) by Ne Win

British Dictionary definitions for nu (4 of 4)

nu-

prefix

informal indicating an updated or modern version of somethingnu-metal music

Word Origin for nu-

C20: from new

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