prod

1 of 4

verb

prodded; prodding

transitive verb

1
a
: to thrust a pointed instrument into : prick
b
: to incite to action : stir
2
: to poke or stir as if with a prod

intransitive verb

: to urge someone on
prodder noun

prod

2 of 4

noun (1)

1
: a pointed instrument used to prod
2
: an incitement to act
needed a few prods to remember her lines

prod

3 of 4

abbreviation

Prod

4 of 4

noun (2)

chiefly Ireland, often disparaging + offensive

Examples of prod in a Sentence

Verb She prodded him in the ribs to get his attention. She was prodded into joining the team. Noun (1) She gave him a sharp prod in the back. He picked up a stick and used it as a prod to get the donkey moving. He needed a few prods to remember his lines. She called me and gave me a prod about finishing the report.
Recent Examples on the Web
Verb
Consumers take the future into account when they’re prodded to consider how higher-end goods are more durable. Neeru Paharia, Fortune, 15 Oct. 2024 The whole shebang takes anywhere from 15 to 30 minutes or longer depending on how many mature follicles need to be prodded, per Dr. Ahmad. Erica Sloan, SELF, 4 Oct. 2024
Noun
The gentle prod of a fork releases the sunset orange yolk, which blankets the canvas in a velvety sauce. The Bon Appétit Staff & Contributors, Bon Appétit, 21 Oct. 2024 Electric prods move the lambs forward, burning wool and skin. Jose Huizar, The Denver Post, 6 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for prod 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'prod.' 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

origin unknown

Noun (2)

by shortening & alteration

First Known Use

Verb

1535, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Noun (1)

1676, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun (2)

1837, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of prod was in 1535

Dictionary Entries Near prod

Cite this Entry

“Prod.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prod. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

prod

1 of 2 verb
prodded; prodding
1
: to poke with something
2
: to stir a person or animal to action
kept prodding me to reveal the secret
prodder noun

prod

2 of 2 noun
1
: something used for prodding
2
: an act of prodding : a sharp urging or reminder

More from Merriam-Webster on prod

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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