View synonyms for nod

nod

[ nod ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

verb (used without object)

, nod·ded, nod·ding.

to make a slight, quick downward bending forward of the head, as in assent, greeting, or command.
to let the head fall slightly forward with a sudden, involuntary movement when sleepy.
to doze, especially in a sitting position:
The speaker was so boring that half the audience was nodding.
Synonyms: drowse
to become careless, inattentive, or listless; make an error or mistake through lack of attention.
(of trees, flowers, plumes, etc.) to droop, bend, or incline with a swaying motion.

verb (used with object)

, nod·ded, nod·ding.

to bend (the head) in a short, quick downward movement, as of assent or greeting.
to express or signify by such a movement of the head:
to nod approval; to nod agreement.
to summon, bring, or send by a nod of the head.
to cause (something) to lean or sway; incline.

noun

a short, quick downward bending forward of the head, as in assent, greeting, or command, or because of drowsiness.
a brief period of sleep; nap.
a bending or swaying movement.
a gesture or action indicating that someone or something has been approved, selected, recognized, etc.:
The domed ceiling is a nod to traditional library reading rooms.
a nomination, as for an office or award: The film has received critical praise and two Oscar nods.
It looks like he’s locked up the party’s nod for governor.
The film has received critical praise and two Oscar nods.

verb phrase

Slang. to fall asleep, especially owing to the effects of a drug.
to fall asleep or doze, especially in a sitting position:
He was reprimanded for nodding off in class.

Nod

[ nod ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

(in the Bible) the land east of Eden where Cain went to dwell.
land of Nod ( def ).

nod

/ nɒd /

verb

to lower and raise (the head) briefly, as to indicate agreement, invitation, etc
tr to express or indicate by nodding
she nodded approval
tr to bring or direct by nodding
she nodded me towards the manager's office
intr (of flowers, trees, etc) to sway or bend forwards and back
intr to let the head fall forward through drowsiness; be almost asleep
the old lady sat nodding by the fire
intr to be momentarily inattentive or careless
even Homer sometimes nods
nodding acquaintance
a slight, casual, or superficial knowledge (of a subject or a person)

noun

a quick down-and-up movement of the head, as in assent, command, etc
she greeted him with a nod
a short sleep; nap See also land of Nod
a swaying motion, as of flowers, etc, in the wind
on the nod informal.
1. agreed, as in a committee meeting, without any formal procedure
2. (formerly) on credit
the nod informal.
boxing the award of a contest to a competitor on the basis of points scored

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Derived Forms

ˈnodding, adjectivenoun

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Other Words From

nod·der noun
nod·ding·ly adverb
un·nod·ding adjective

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Word History and Origins

Origin of nod¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English nodde, of uncertain origin

Origin of nod²

Ultimately from Hebrew Nōdh “wandering”

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Word History and Origins

Origin of nod¹

C14 nodde, of obscure origin

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Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

get the nod, to get approval; be selected, recognized, etc.: He got the nod as starting pitcher for the Phillies.
We’ve gotten the nod from the administration to hire two assistant professors.
He got the nod as starting pitcher for the Phillies.
give the nod, to give an indication of approval, recognition, etc.: It wasn’t till May that the company was given the nod to schedule the event.
The board gave the nod to the new proposal.
It wasn’t till May that the company was given the nod to schedule the event.
on the nod,
1. British Slang. on credit.
2. Slang. drowsy following a dose of a narcotic drug.

More idioms and phrases containing nod

In addition to the idiom beginning with nod , also see get the nod .

Related Words

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

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