nones

¹

[ nohnz ]

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.).

nones

²

[ nohnz ]

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.

nones

/ 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

Word History and Origins

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of nones¹

Old English nōn, from Latin nōna hora ninth hour, from nōnus ninth

Example Sentences

The "nones" are the biggest religious group now, outnumbering both evangelicals and Catholics.

From Salon

They have become known as the “nones” — atheists, agnostics, or nothing in particular — and they comprise 30% or more of the adult population in the United States and Canada, as well as numerous European countries.

From Seattle Times

Surveys show decreasing church attendance and a steady increase in the “nones” — people who identify as nonbelievers.

From Washington Times

Rabbia said many in the growing ranks of nones retain some of the beliefs without being part of the church.

From Seattle Times

Given such secrecy, there are no reliable estimates of the number of nones in the largely religious region.

From Seattle Times