D defs.my
Menu ☰
Entry 9 senses · 3 variants Webster, 1913

Nod

/(nŏd)/ · IPA /nɑd/
01 v. i. To bend or incline the upper part, with a quick motion; as, nodding plumes.
  1. 1.
    To bend or incline the upper part, with a quick motion; as, nodding plumes.
  2. 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. 3.
    To be careless or inattentive; to make a mistake from lack of attention.
    “Nor is it Homer nods, but we that dream.” — Pope.
  4. 4.
    To be drowsy or dull; to doze off, especially while in a sitting position; as, half the class nodded while the professor droned on.
02 v. t. 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.
imp. & p. p. Nodded; p. pr. & vb. n. Nodding
  1. 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. 2.
    To signify by a nod; as, to nod approbation.
  3. 3.
    To cause to bend.[Poetic]
    “By every wind that nods the mountain pine.” — Keats.
03 n. A dropping or bending forward of the upper part or top of anything.
  1. 1.
    A dropping or bending forward of the upper part or top of anything.
    “Like a drunken sailor on a mast, Ready with every nod to tumble down.” — Shak.
  2. 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; as, a nod of approval.
    “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.
Phrases & compounds
The land of Nod — sleep.