nod
nod
Nod (verb) means to move the head up and down, usually to show agreement or acknowledgment. Example: “She nodded to confirm she understood the instructions.”
verb
1
To move the head up and down, usually to show agreement or acknowledgment.
"She nodded to confirm she understood the instructions."
"He gave a quick nod as he walked past."
"When I asked if she wanted tea, she nodded and smiled."
2
To let the head droop as one starts to fall asleep.
"By the third hour of the lecture, half the class was nodding off."
"Grandad was nodding in his armchair after a big Sunday lunch."
"I kept nodding on the late train and nearly missed my stop."
noun
1
The gesture of moving the head up and down, showing agreement or greeting.
"He gave a nod of approval."
"She gave the waiter a nod to show she was ready to order."
"With a slow nod, the old man welcomed us into his shop."
2
A brief mention or reference to something.
"The film includes a subtle nod to the original book."
"The speech ended with a nod to the volunteers who had helped all year."
"The restaurant's name is a nod to the family's long history in the town."
How to use nod
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe gesture of moving your head up and down, usually meaning "yes" or acknowledgment; also, a brief reference to something.
Common pairings
nod off
give a nod
a nod to
nod in agreement
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Word forms
- Plural
- nods
- Third person singular
- nods
- Past tense
- nodded
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He gave a quick _____ as he walked past.
Etymology
From Middle English nodden, likely from an unrecorded Old English root meaning "to shake the head," related to old Germanic words for pounding or beating.
Synonyms
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Frequently asked questions
What does “nod” mean?
The word “nod” means to move the head up and down, usually to show agreement or acknowledgment. In plain terms, the gesture of moving your head up and down, usually meaning "yes" or acknowledgment; also, a brief reference to something.
How do you pronounce “nod”?
“Nod” is pronounced nod (/nɑd/ in IPA).
How do you use “nod” in a sentence?
Here is “nod” used in a sentence: “She nodded to confirm she understood the instructions.”
What part of speech is “nod”?
Depending on how it is used, “nod” can be a verb and a noun.
Where does the word “nod” come from?
The word “nod” comes from Old English. From Middle English nodden, likely from an unrecorded Old English root meaning "to shake the head," related to old Germanic words for pounding or beating.
Is “nod” a common word?
“Nod” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “nod” have?
“Nod” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to move the head up and down, usually to show agreement or acknowledgment.
What is the difference between nodding and shaking your head?
A nod is an up-and-down movement of the head that usually shows agreement or acknowledgment, while shaking the head side to side typically signals disagreement or refusal. The two gestures are near-opposite signals in most cultures.
What does it mean to give someone a nod in writing, as opposed to a physical gesture?
In writing, a 'nod' can mean a brief mention or reference to something, such as an article giving 'a nod to' an earlier work. This figurative use is separate from the literal gesture of moving the head up and down.
What is the difference between nodding in agreement and nodding off?
Nodding in agreement is a deliberate up-and-down head movement used to show approval or greeting, while nodding off refers to the head drooping involuntarily as a person starts to fall asleep. The second sense describes drowsiness rather than communication.
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