gad

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noun (1)

ˈgad

: a chisel or pointed iron or steel bar for loosening ore or rock

chiefly dialectal : a long stick

gad

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verb

gadded; gadding

intransitive verb

: to be on the go without a specific aim or purpose

—usually used with about

gad

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noun (2)

ˈgad

: a son of Jacob and the traditional eponymous ancestor of one of the tribes of Israel

Gadite

ˈga-ˌdīt

noun

GAD

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Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

Did Nordo’s screechingly daffy ex-wife (Opal Peachey), gadding about with an imaginary Chihuahua on a leash, off him with a butcher knife?

Misha Berson, The Seattle Times, 23 May 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'gad.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

Middle English, "spike, goad, metal bar," borrowed from Old Norse gaddr "goad, spike," going back to Germanic *gazda- "stick, rod, goad" — more at yard entry 4

Verb

Middle English gadden, of obscure origin

Interjection

euphemism for God

Noun (2)

Hebrew Gādh

First Known Use

Noun (1)

circa 1535, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Verb

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Interjection