nod

1 of 2

verb

nodded; nodding

intransitive verb

1
: to make a quick downward motion of the head whether deliberately (as in expressing assent or salutation) or involuntarily (as from drowsiness)
She nodded in agreement.
The guard nodded to us as we walked in.
He sat nodding by the fire.
2
: to incline or sway from the vertical as though ready to fall
signposts nodding in the wind
3
: to bend or sway the upper part gently downward or forward : bob gently
the plumes that nodded on his helmet
nodding flowers on long stems
4
: to make a slip or error in a moment of abstraction
… Fuentes nods, and his language then falls into … an overly learned mumbo-jumbo that stops the drama of his action.Robert Maurer

transitive verb

1
: to incline downward or forward
nodded his head in agreement
2
: to bring, invite, or send by a nod
nodded us in
3
: to signify by a nod
nodded their approval
nodder noun

nod

2 of 2

noun

1
: the act or an instance of nodding
gave a nod of greeting
2
: an indication especially of approval or recognition

Examples of nod in a Sentence

Verb She nodded when I asked her if she was ready. I asked her if she could hear me, and she nodded her head. “The bathroom is around the corner,” he said, nodding to the left. She nodded toward the dirty dishes and said she would get to them later.
Recent Examples on the Web
Verb
Last year, the park also unveiled a project smaller in scale but just as big of a deal to locals: a miniland version of San Diego, complete with a Petco Park model and nods to iconic landmarks. Natallie Rocha, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 Mar. 2024 In addition to her four Academy Award nods, Roberts has received three Golden Globes and been nominated for two Emmys. Andrew Walsh, EW.com, 23 Mar. 2024 Crafted from 18-karat gold and silver, the minimalist bracelets, earrings, rings, and necklaces nod to a luxurious punk aesthetic. Rachel Gallaher, Robb Report, 23 Mar. 2024 With its fresh, younger cast and nods to the original films, the movie promised an exciting blend of nostalgia and innovation. Kristina Behr, Parents, 21 Mar. 2024 Nye asks of his rapt coffee shop compatriots, some of whom nod and others who, relatably, shake their heads. The Arizona Republic, 20 Mar. 2024 The show’s host Jimmy Kimmel set up the bit by sharing a little bit of Oscars history, nodding to the 1974 Academy Awards when a streaker ran across the stage. Alli Rosenbloom, CNN, 10 Mar. 2024 Some of his bandmates waiting outside the room nod along. Julyssa Lopez, Rolling Stone, 11 Mar. 2024 The courtroom drama won the Palme d’Or at last year’s Cannes Film Festival and — in addition to her Best Director nod — gave Triet a nomination for Best Original Screenplay. Brendan Le, Peoplemag, 11 Mar. 2024
Noun
Alexander said Adas Israel is planning to read the last chapter more quietly this year, in a nod to the discomfort some may feel in hearing it, while having on hand some alternative versions of the text made by a progressive Jewish organization called The Shalom Center. Dan Rosenzweig-Ziff, Washington Post, 23 Mar. 2024 Both The Batman and The Penguin are considered separate from those plans, and take place in their own universe under the Elseworlds banner — a nod to alternate universe stories in the DC Comics. Aaron Couch, The Hollywood Reporter, 22 Mar. 2024 Brown used to call them the Fab Five, a nod to Michigan’s famed 1991 freshman class. Thuc Nhi Nguyen, Los Angeles Times, 22 Mar. 2024 The brand Vacation built an entire product line on the laissez-faire resort-goer aesthetic of decades past, though their oils and browning lotions are always infused with SPF 30 — a nod to our modern attitude about UV protection. Kara Nesvig, Allure, 21 Mar. 2024 That’s a nod to the story that people stayed alive eating fava beans during a drought in the Middle Ages in Sicily. Sal Pizarro, The Mercury News, 18 Mar. 2024 Here, the stairs are carpeted in leopard print, a nod to the previous owners. Max Berlinger Stefan Ruiz, New York Times, 18 Mar. 2024 The show is a nod to a young Keys growing up in Manhattan. Celeste Polanco, Essence, 13 Mar. 2024 His nod for the box-office hit marks his third at the Academy Awards, with the last coming in 2016 for the musical La La Land. Brendan Le, Peoplemag, 11 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'nod.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Middle English nodden; perhaps akin to Old High German hnotōn to shake

First Known Use

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1

Noun

circa 1541, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of nod was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near nod

Cite this Entry

“Nod.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nod. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

nod

1 of 2 verb
nodded; nodding
1
: to bend the head downward or forward (as in bowing or going to sleep or as a way of answering "yes")
2
: to move up and down
the tulips nodded in the breeze
3
: to show by a nod of the head
nod agreement
4
: to let one's attention roam for a moment and make an error
nodder noun

nod

2 of 2 noun
: the action of nodding

More from Merriam-Webster on nod

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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