verb
nod
nod
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."
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."
noun
1
The gesture of moving the head up and down, showing agreement or greeting.
"He gave a nod of approval."
2
A brief mention or reference to something.
"The film includes a subtle nod to the original book."
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
Word Forms
nodded past tense, nods plural, nods singular
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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.