1
a(1)
: a straight slender stick growing on or cut from a tree or bush
(2)
: osier
(3)
: a stick or bundle of twigs used to punish
also : punishment
(4)
: a shepherd's cudgel
(5)
: a pole with a line and usually a reel attached for fishing
b(1)
: a slender bar (as of wood or metal)
(2)
: a bar or staff for measuring
(3)
: scepter
also : a wand or staff carried as a badge of office (as of marshal)
2
a
: a unit of length see Weights and Measures Table
b
: a square rod
3
: any of the long rod-shaped photosensitive receptors in the retina responsive to faint light compare cone sense 3a
4
: a rod-shaped bacterium
5
slang : handgun
rodless adjective
rodlike adjective

Examples of rod in a Sentence

arrested for using a rod on his dogs in violation of the state's animal cruelty laws
Recent Examples on the Web Rather than using a pair of forceps to pull out a green glowy rod – again, à la Homer Simpson – the entire core is simply removed and replaced with another sealed core containing the next batch of recycled nuclear fuel. New Atlas, 26 Oct. 2024 This rack has a rod for clothing hangers and three shelves for all your shoes and accessories. Lauren Arzbaecher, Architectural Digest, 24 Oct. 2024 Presumably, the Ranger Raptor’s axles and CV joints and tie rods and ball joints must be able to handle additional load after all. Michael Teo Van Runkle, Forbes, 20 Oct. 2024 Then follow these steps: Bend the young shoot to the ground and use a rod to mark the spot where the shoot touches the ground. Luke Miller, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for rod 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'rod.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Old English rodd; akin to Old Norse rudda club

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a(1)

Time Traveler
The first known use of rod was before the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near rod

Cite this Entry

“Rod.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rod. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

rod

noun
1
a
: a straight slender stick or bar
b
: a stick or bundle of twigs used in whipping a person
c
: a pole with a line and usually a reel attached for fishing
2
a
: a unit of length see measure
b
: a square rod
3
: any of the cells in the retina that are shaped like rods and respond to dim light
4
slang : handgun
rodless adjective
rodlike adjective

Medical Definition

rod

noun
1
: a straight slender pole or bar
2
: any of the long rod-shaped photosensitive receptors in the retina responsive to faint light compare cone sense 2a
3
: a bacterium shaped like a rod

More from Merriam-Webster on rod

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