gad

noun \ ˈgad \

Definition of gad

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

2 chiefly dialectal : a long stick

Origin and Etymology of gad

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

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1671

See Words from the same year

Other Dialect Terms

bespoke, boughten, lave, muchacho, nigh, spunk, thunk, toboggan

gad

verb

Definition of gad

gadded; gadding

intransitive verb

: to be on the go without a specific aim or purpose —usually used with about

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Recent Examples of gad from the Web

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, "Review: ‘Lost Falls’ is a little David Lynch, a lot Cafe Nordo," 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.