rod

noun

ˈräd

Synonyms of rod next

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)

: a unit of length see Weights and Measures Table

: a square rod

: any of the long rod-shaped photosensitive receptors in the retina responsive to faint light compare cone sense 3a

: a rod-shaped bacterium

slang : handgun

rodless

ˈräd-ləs

adjective

rodlike

ˈräd-ˌlīk

adjective

Example Sentences

arrested for using a rod on his dogs in violation of the state's animal cruelty laws

Recent Examples on the Web Rod Holders: Ample rod storage on the boat makes fishing on the move a breeze. —

Ben Duchesney, Field & Stream, 6 Mar. 2023 Bonie, a large black dog with tan paws and snout, has a steel rod in his back after his spine was broken in a shelling. —

Patricia Cohen, New York Times, 28 Feb. 2023 The polyester fabric is lightweight yet durable, and there are dual rod pockets to hang the curtains with a ruffle on top or without for a neater look. —

Amber Joglar, Popular Mechanics, 23 Feb. 2023 Amongst pros, the sentiment that the OWGR seems to be driven more by divining rod than prowess with the putter when all the chips are on the line is a popular one across tour lines. —

Mike Dojc, Forbes, 22 Feb. 2023 Back on soil, stroll along the Esplanade to Pavilion Mooloolaba for a healthy breakfast by the water, hire a fishing rod and drop a line in the river, and toast the sunset with a beer at The Dock. —

Justin Meneguzzi, Travel + Leisure, 21 Feb. 2023 The nun used her rod to tap the underside of any arms that began to sag. —

Dallas News, 17 Feb. 2023 The average working man could buy a rod and reel that could be leaned on season after season without breaking the bank. —

Joe Cermele, Outdoor Life, 14 Feb. 2023 This ceramic sharpening rod also has a sturdy plastic handle that’s comfortable to use. —

Adria Greenhauff, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Feb. 2023 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'rod.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.