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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
How to Decorate with Picture Rails Thanks to their historical roots, gallery rails or rods instantly add a sense of architectural character to a room. Lauren Bengtson, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 Sep. 2025 Leaving the liner hanging on the shower rod and curtain rings, spray the solution generously all over the shower curtain liner. Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 12 Sep. 2025 Among the FishPro features are a Garmin GPS and fishfinder unit, a cooler for live bait or your catch, rod-holders, a large front storage space ideal for tackle and other accessories such as a swivel seat, and a waterproof, shockproof compartment for a smart phone. Steve Waters, Miami Herald, 12 Sep. 2025 From waders that keep you dry to rods that deliver the perfect cast in any weather, smart packing can be the difference between landing a trophy fish or telling the story of the one that got away. Christopher Murray May Earn A Commission If You Buy Through Our Referral Links. This Content Was Created By A Team That Works Independently From The Fox Newsroom., FOXNews.com, 10 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for rod

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Rod.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rod. Accessed 16 Sep. 2025.

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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