null

[nuhl]

adjective

1. without value, effect, consequence, or significance.

2. being or amounting to nothing; nil; lacking; nonexistent.

3. Mathematics.,  (of a set)

   1. empty.

   2. of measure zero.

4. being or amounting to zero.

noun

1. Electronics.,  a point of minimum signal reception, as on a radio direction finder or other electronic meter.

verb (used with object)

1. to cancel; make null.

null

/ nʌl /

adjective

1. without legal force; invalid; (esp in the phrase null and void )

2. without value or consequence; useless

3. lacking distinction; characterless

   a null expression

4. nonexistent; amounting to nothing

5. maths

   1. quantitatively zero

   2. relating to zero

   3. (of a set) having no members

   4. (of a sequence) having zero as a limit

6. physics involving measurement in which an instrument has a zero reading, as with a Wheatstone bridge

null

1. Of or relating to a set having no members or to zero magnitude.

Word History and Origins

Origin of null¹

1555–65; < Latin nūllus, equivalent to n ( e ) not + ūllus any

Word History and Origins

Origin of null¹

C16: from Latin nullus none, from ne not + ullus any

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. null and void, without legal force or effect; not valid.

   This contract is null and void.

Example Sentences

He also claims that former president Joe Biden’s pardons are null and void because he used an autopen, which is perfectly legal.

Read more on Salon

“That would be the cleanest way of addressing this particular scenario we’re in right now, because all of these new plans that have been drawn would become null and void,” McGhee said.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

“Therefore, any changes made without you agreeing to them are null and void.”

Read more on MarketWatch

“These proceedings against the defendant were instituted unlawfully and are null,” Goldspring said, releasing Ó hAnnaidh to raucous cheers from Kneecap supporters — including the rapper’s parents — in the courtroom.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

He has urged his supporters to null their vote.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• ineffective 
• inoperative 
• invalid 
• unreal 
• worthless