nudge

verb

ˈnəj 

nudged; nudging

transitive verb

1

: to touch or push gently

… nudged the cue ball with the tip of the cue.

—Paul Theroux

especially : to seek the attention of by a push of the elbow

… nudged Ron in the ribs and pointed at Malfoy …

—J. K. Rowling

2

: to prod lightly : urge into action

… have been nudged into starting their own ventures …

—Janet Bamford

3

: approach

… its circulation is nudging the four million mark …

—Bennett Cerf

intransitive verb

: to give a nudge

She nudged and jostled through the crowd.

nudge noun

nudger noun

Synonyms of nudge

• brush
• kiss
• touch

Examples of nudge in a Sentence

I nudged the plate closer to him.

The guard nudged the prisoner forward.

The dog nudged the ball with his nose.

He nudged me and pointed to the deer.

The salesman nudged her into testing out the car.

Album sales are nudging the one million mark.

The price of gold has nudged a little higher.

Recent Examples on the Web

The latest tech nudges up alongside ancient healing and spiritual spring cleaning—Chopra is known for his manifestation workshops, personal mantra chanting, and quantum healing. —Jane Alexander, Condé Nast Traveler, 19 Feb. 2026

When nudges like these work, the benefits are minor. —Rob Wolfe, The Atlantic, 19 Feb. 2026

Cogan appears to be nudging the Supreme Court to change its approach to determining what is and isn’t considered a crime of violence. —John Annese, Mercury News, 17 Feb. 2026

Jot down any dreams after waking, and look for repeating symbols that nudge healing choices and kinder self-talk. —Tarot.com, Chicago Tribune, 17 Feb. 2026

Word History

Etymology

origin unknown

First Known Use

1675, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Rhymes for nudge

• budge
• drudge
• frage
• fudge
• grudge
• judge
• mudge
• rudge
• sludge
• smudge
• trudge
• adjudge

Kids Definition

nudge

verb

ˈnəj 

nudged; nudging

: to touch or push gently

especially : to attract the attention of by a push of the elbow

nudge noun