prods; prodded; prodding
1
: to push someone or something with your finger or a pointed object : poke
She prodded him in the ribs to get his attention.
—often + atHe prodded at the snake with a stick.
2
: to persuade or try to persuade (someone) to do something
His parents kept prodding [=urging] him to go back to school.
She was prodded into joining the team.
plural prods
1
a
: the act of pushing someone or something with your finger or a pointed object : poke
She gave him a sharp prod in the back.
b
: something (such as a long stick) that is used to prod an animal
He picked up a stick and used it as a prod to get the donkey moving.
2
: something said or done to encourage or remind someone to do something
He needed a few prods to remember his lines.
She called me and gave me a prod about finishing the report.
Cite this Entry
“Prod.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/prod. Accessed 24 Jun. 2026.
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