English dictionary, thesaurus, translations & etymology

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.”

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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 notes

In 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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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Word forms

goaded past tense, goads plural, Goads plural, goads singular

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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.

Origin: Old English

Synonyms

needle spur prod prodding urging goading spurring

Related words

mountain remind boost reminder incentive inspire needle motive

Rhymes for goad

road toad load broad abroad upload unload reload offload payload busload download

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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.

People also searched

mountain remind boost reminder incentive inspire needle motive

Definitions: FreeDict original editorial