nudged; nudging
1
: to touch or push gently
… nudged the cue ball with the tip of the cue.—
Paul Theroux
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
J. K. Rowling 2
: to prod lightly : urge into action
… have been nudged into starting their own ventures …—Janet Bamford
Janet Bamford3
: approach
… its circulation is nudging the four million mark …—Bennett Cerf
Bennett Cerf
: to give a nudge
She nudged and jostled through the crowd.
nudge
noun
nudger
noun
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
Playing behaviors in horses include nudging, lifting, chewing or swinging objects, and according to Applied Animal Behavior Science, such play can reduce stress and contribute to better welfare.
—Liz O'Connell, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Dec. 2025
And, if investors believe the Fed is comfortable continuing its easing cycle into 2026, that sentiment alone could help nudge mortgage rates to fall lower, though any shift is likely to be gradual rather than sharp.
—Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 10 Dec. 2025
Analysts and tourism officials note that rising prices, a weaker Canadian dollar, and heightened political tensions have nudged many travelers to choose domestic trips within Canada or alternative international destinations instead.
—Dave Smith, Fortune, 10 Dec. 2025
Jenner’s confidence with intense color nudged Caillier outside of her comfort zone, and Caillier helped Jenner see print in a new way.
—Christine Lennon, Architectural Digest, 8 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for nudge
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Liz O'Connell, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Dec. 2025
And, if investors believe the Fed is comfortable continuing its easing cycle into 2026, that sentiment alone could help nudge mortgage rates to fall lower, though any shift is likely to be gradual rather than sharp.
—Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 10 Dec. 2025
Analysts and tourism officials note that rising prices, a weaker Canadian dollar, and heightened political tensions have nudged many travelers to choose domestic trips within Canada or alternative international destinations instead.
—Dave Smith, Fortune, 10 Dec. 2025
Jenner’s confidence with intense color nudged Caillier outside of her comfort zone, and Caillier helped Jenner see print in a new way.
—Christine Lennon, Architectural Digest, 8 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for nudge
Cite this Entry
“Nudge.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nudge. Accessed 18 Dec. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
nudge
verb
nudged; nudging
: to touch or push gently
especially
: to attract the attention of by a push of the elbow
nudge
noun
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