nod Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a sign of assent or salutation or command
  2. noun the act of nodding the head
  3. verb express or signify by nodding
    • He nodded his approval
  4. verb lower and raise the head, as to indicate assent or agreement or confirmation
    • The teacher nodded when the student gave the right answer
  5. verb let the head fall forward through drowsiness
    • The old man was nodding in his chair
  6. verb sway gently back and forth, as in a nodding motion
    • the flowers were nodding in the breeze
  7. verb be almost asleep
    • The old man sat nodding by the fireplace

WordNet

Nod intransitive verb
Etymology
OE. nodden; cf. OHG. kntn, genuotn, to shake, and E. nudge.
Definitions
  1. To bend or incline the upper part, with a quick motion; as, nodding plumes.
  2. To incline the head with a quick motion; to make a slight bow; to make a motion of assent, of salutation, or of drowsiness, with the head; as, to nod at one.
  3. To be drowsy or dull; to be careless.
    Nor is it Homer nods, but we that dream. Pope.
Nod transitive verb
Wordforms
imperfect & past participle Nodded ; present participle & verbal noun Nodding
Definitions
  1. To incline or bend, as the head or top; to make a motion of assent, of salutation, or of drowsiness with; as, to nod the head.
  2. To signify by a nod; as, to nod approbation.
  3. To cause to bend. Poetic
    By every wind that nods the mountain pine. Keats.
Nod noun
Definitions
  1. A dropping or bending forward of the upper oart or top of anything.
    Like a drunken sailor on a mast, Ready with every nod to tumble down. Shak.
  2. A quick or slight downward or forward motion of the head, in assent, in familiar salutation, in drowsiness, or in giving a signal, or a command.
    A look or a nod only ought to correct them [the children] when they do amiss. Locke.
    Nations obey my word and wait my nod. Prior.

Webster 1913