Definition

1. Noun:

   • A quick, slight downward and upward movement of the head: This is the primary meaning, referring to the physical gesture.
   • A sign of assent, greeting, or command: The gesture is used to communicate agreement, acknowledgment, or a signal.

2. Verb:

   • To make a quick, slight downward and upward movement of the head: To perform the gesture of nodding.
   • To let the head fall forward slightly due to drowsiness: To be on the verge of falling asleep, often with the head dipping.
   • To sway or bend gently forward and downward: To move gently, often describing plants or objects.
   • To express or signify something by nodding: To use the head gesture to communicate a specific message, such as approval.

Usage Examples

• Noun:

  • She gave a quick nod of agreement.
  • He acknowledged me with a friendly nod.

• Verb:

  • I asked if she was ready, and she nodded.
  • The old man nodded off in his armchair.
  • The tulips nodded in the spring breeze.
  • The manager nodded his approval for the project to begin.

Advanced Usage

• To have a nodding acquaintance (with someone/something): To know someone or something only slightly or superficially.

  • I have only a nodding acquaintance with classical music.

• On the nod (informal, chiefly British): Accepted or agreed to without discussion or proper consideration.

  • The proposal went through on the nod.

Variants and Related Words

• Nodder (noun, informal): A person who nods.
• Nodding (adjective): Bending or moving gently; also used in the phrase "nodding acquaintance."
  • The nodding flowers.

Synonyms

• Noun: Gesture, signal, acknowledgment.
• Verb: Bow, dip, signal, agree, doze, drowse, sway.

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Nod off: To fall asleep, especially briefly or unintentionally.

  • I nodded off during the lecture.

• Nod through (British English): To approve something formally without discussion or objection.

  • The bill was nodded through by the committee.

Related Idioms

• A nod is as good as a wink (to a blind horse): A hint or subtle signal is sufficient to convey a meaning, especially when something is understood without being stated explicitly.

  • I didn't need a detailed explanation; a nod was as good as a wink.

• Homer sometimes nods: Even the most skilled or expert person can make a mistake. (From the Latin "Quandoque bonus dormitat Homerus").

  • Don't worry about the small error in the report; Homer sometimes nods.

Noun

1. the act of nodding the head
2. a sign of assent or salutation or command

Verb

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