noun
goad
gohd
Goad (noun) means a long pointed stick used to prod animals into moving. Example: “The farmer used a goad to drive the cattle into the pen.”
noun
1
A long pointed stick used to prod animals into moving.
"The farmer used a goad to drive the cattle into the pen."
verb
1
To provoke or push someone into doing something, often by teasing or taunting.
"His friends goaded him into trying the spiciest dish on the menu."
"She refused to be goaded into an argument."
How to use goad
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo push someone into doing something, usually by teasing, daring, or provoking them.
Common pairings
goad someone into
goad someone on
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Word forms
- Plural
- goads
- Third person singular
- goads
- Past tense
- goaded
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The farmer used a _____ to drive the cattle into the pen.
Etymology
From Old English gad ("goad, spear point"), an ancient Germanic word related to terms for spears and piercing.
Related words
Rhymes for goad
See all rhymes for goad →Frequently asked questions
What does “goad” mean?
The word “goad” means a long pointed stick used to prod animals into moving. In plain terms, to push someone into doing something, usually by teasing, daring, or provoking them.
How do you pronounce “goad”?
“Goad” is pronounced gohd (/ɡoʊd/ in IPA).
How do you use “goad” in a sentence?
Here is “goad” used in a sentence: “The farmer used a goad to drive the cattle into the pen.”
What part of speech is “goad”?
Depending on how it is used, “goad” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “goad” come from?
The word “goad” comes from Old English. From Old English gad ("goad, spear point"), an ancient Germanic word related to terms for spears and piercing.
How many meanings does “goad” have?
“Goad” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a long pointed stick used to prod animals into moving.
