nod

¹nod

verb \ˈnäd\

nod·dednod·ding

Definition of NOD

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)

2

: to incline or sway from the vertical as though ready to fall

3

: to bend or sway the upper part gently downward or forward : bob gently

4

: to make a slip or error in a moment of abstraction

transitive verb

1

: to incline (as the head) downward or forward

2

: to bring, invite, or send by a nod <nodded us in>

3

: to signify by a nod <nodded their approval>

— nod·der noun

Examples of NOD

1. She nodded when I asked her if she was ready.
2. I asked her if she could hear me, and she nodded her head.
3. “The bathroom is around the corner,” he said, nodding to the left.
4. She nodded toward the dirty dishes and said she would get to them later.

Origin of NOD

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

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to NOD

Synonyms

bob, bobble, jog, jounce, pump, seesaw, wag

Related Words

jerk, jiggle, shake, wiggle, wobble (also wabble); oscillate, rock, sway, swing, undulate; drop, duck

Rhymes with NOD

bod, clod, fade, Fahd, gaud, god, hod, mod, od, odd, plod, pod, prod, quad, quod, rod, scrod, shod, sod, squad, tod, wad

²nod

noun

Definition of NOD

1

: the act or an instance of nodding <gave a nod of greeting>

2

: an indication especially of approval or recognition

First Known Use of NOD

circa 1541