Nary, most often used in the phrase "nary a" to mean "not a single," is an 18th-century alteration of the adjectival phrase "ne'er a," in which ne'er is a contraction of never.

There are only a few photographs or illustrations, and nary a chart or graphic in sight.

NARY definition: not any; no; never a. See examples of nary used in a sentence.

Define nary. nary synonyms, nary pronunciation, nary translation, English dictionary definition of nary. adj. Not one: "Frequently, measures of major import ... glide through these chambers …

Dialect not; never.... Click for English pronunciations, examples sentences, video.

Definition of nary adjective in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.

Factsheet What does the word nary mean? There are three meanings listed in OED's entry for the word nary. See ‘Meaning & use’ for definitions, usage, and quotation evidence. This word is …

Nov 15, 2025 · I'm cheered you liked [“The Partridge Festival”] but I must have it back as I have nary other copy. If you really want to read somebody, read Proust for pity's sake.

Nary is an old fashioned and informal way to say "not." You might describe your friend's sad, empty book shelves with nary a novel on them, or your bald great uncle, who has nary a hair …

No one has a road map when it comes to grief and once one is confronted with it, it's easy to feel as if you are lost in a vast ocean, tossed this way and that, nary a paddle nor a boat in sight.