gad

noun (1)

\ˈgad

Definition of gad

(Entry 1 of 5)

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

2 chiefly dialectal : a long stick

gad

verb

gadded; gadding

Definition of gad (Entry 2 of 5)

intransitive verb

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

gad

interjection

Definition of gad (Entry 3 of 5)

—used as a mild oath

Gad

noun (2)

\ˈgad

Definition of Gad (Entry 4 of 5)

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

GAD

abbreviation

Definition of GAD (Entry 5 of 5)

generalized anxiety disorder

Other Words from gad Example Sentences Learn More about gad

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Examples of gad in a Sentence

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, "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.

First Known Use of gad

Noun (1)

1671, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Interjection

1608, in the meaning defined above

Noun (2)

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for gad

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

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