nod

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.

“Nod” is pronounced nod (/nɑd/ in IPA).

Here is “nod” used in a sentence: “She nodded to confirm she understood the instructions.”

Depending on how it is used, “nod” can be a verb and a noun.

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.

“Nod” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.

“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.

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.

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.

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.