prod

1 of 2

verb

ˈpräd 

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

prodder

2 of 2

noun

prod·​der

-də(r)

plural -s

: one that prods

Synonyms of prod

Verb

• poke
• spur
• stab
• dig
• goad
• punch
• nudge

Examples of prod in a Sentence

Verb

She prodded him in the ribs to get his attention.

She was prodded into joining the team.

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

Some lawmakers openly prodded Netanyahu on Monday to move closer to the US by seeking to bolster negotiations on winding down the war. —Burgess Everett, semafor.com, 8 June 2026

The Spanish international might have scored on his comeback, prodding an instinctive effort over the bar from close range. —James McNicholas, New York Times, 25 May 2026

What that means for the Rays’ Tampa stadium prospects is not clear, but Orlando already finds itself being used to prod the process along. —Ryan Gillespie, The Orlando Sentinel, 24 May 2026

The problem is that this is misleadingly planting dour ideas in my head and could prod me into a worse mental condition. —Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 24 May 2026

Word History

Etymology

Verb

origin unknown

First Known Use

Verb

1535, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Phrases Containing prod

• cattle prod

Rhymes for prod

• awed
• baaed
• baud
• bawd
• brod
• clawed
• cod
• flawed
• fraud
• gnawed
• god
• jawed

Kids Definition

prod

1 of 2 verb

ˈpräd 

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