any of several tropical terns of the genus Anous, esp A. stolidus (common noddy), typically having a dark plumage
2.
a foolish person
Word origin
C16: perhaps noun use of obsolete noddy foolish, drowsy, perhaps from nod (vb); the bird is so called because it allows itself to be caught by hand
noddy in British English2
(ˈnɒdɪ)
nounWord forms: plural-dies
(usually plural) television
film footage of an interviewer's reactions to comments made by an interviewee, used in editing the interview after it has been recorded
Word origin
C20: from nod
noddy in British English3
(ˈnɒdɪ)
adjective
informal
very easy to use or understand; simplistic
Word origin
C20: origin unknown
noddy in American English
(ˈnɑdi)
nounWord forms: plural-dies
1.
any of several dark-bodied terns of the genera Anous and Micranous found about the coasts and islands in warm seas of both the New and Old Worlds, often so tame as to seem unintelligent
2.
a person who lacks intelligence or judgment
Word origin
[1520–30; perh. n. use of obs. noddy (adj.) silly. See nod, -y1]