Nod

/nɒd/

Meaning & Definition

noun

a slight downward movement of the head, often indicating agreement or acknowledgment

With a nod, she signaled that she was ready to start the meeting.

an act of moving the head up and down as described above

A nod from the teacher confirmed that the student was correct.

verb

to move the head up and down as a sign of agreement, acknowledgment, or understanding

She nodded in agreement when he proposed the idea.

to briefly lower and raise the head, often as a way of expressing sleepiness or fatigue

He began to nod off during the long lecture.

Middle English, of uncertain origin.

nod off

To fall asleep, especially for a short period.

give a nod

To express approval or permission.

not bat an eyelid

To show no reaction; to nod off can imply lack of attention.

headshake

A movement of the head indicating disagreement.

gesture

A movement to express an idea or meaning.

To give a subtle approval or agreement.

He just gave me a nod to go ahead with the plan.

To take a short nap.

I just need to catch a nod before work.