to make a slight, quick downward bending forward of the head, as in assent, greeting, or command.
to let the head fall slightly forward with a sudden, involuntary movement when sleepy.
to doze, especially in a sitting position: The speaker was so boring that half the audience was nodding.
to become careless, inattentive, or listless; make an error or mistake through lack of attention.
(of trees, flowers, plumes, etc.) to droop, bend, or incline with a swaying motion.
verb (used with object),nod·ded,nod·ding.
to bend (the head) in a short, quick downward movement, as of assent or greeting.
to express or signify by such a movement of the head: to nod approval; to nod agreement.
to summon, bring, or send by a nod of the head.
to cause (something) to lean or sway; incline.
noun
a short, quick downward bending forward of the head, as in assent, greeting, or command, or because of drowsiness.
a brief period of sleep; nap.
a bending or swaying movement.
a gesture or action indicating that someone or something has been approved, selected, recognized, etc.: The domed ceiling is a nod to traditional library reading rooms.
a nomination, as for an office or award: It looks like he’s locked up the party’s nod for governor. The film has received critical praise and two Oscar nods.
Verb Phrases
nod off,to fall asleep or doze, especially in a sitting position: He was reprimanded for nodding off in class.
nod out,Slang. to fall asleep, especially owing to the effects of a drug.
Idioms for nod
get the nod, to get approval; be selected, recognized, etc.: We’ve gotten the nod from the administration to hire two assistant professors.He got the nod as starting pitcher for the Phillies.
give the nod, to give an indication of approval, recognition, etc.: The board gave the nod to the new proposal.It wasn’t till May that the company was given the nod to schedule the event.
on the nod,
BritishSlang.on credit.
Slang.drowsy following a dose of a narcotic drug.
Origin of nod
First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English nodde, of uncertain origin
Some called out “H U” in a nod to Harris’s alma mater, Howard University.
Election live updates: Trump returns to Wisconsin; Biden to face live audience at town hall|Colby Itkowitz, Felicia Sonmez, John Wagner|September 17, 2020|Washington Post
Pelosi, in a nod to the pressure from moderates, has vowed that the House won’t adjourn until they pass something addressing he virus.
Trump moves closer to Pelosi in economic aid talks, and House speaker must decide next move|Rachael Bade, Erica Werner|September 17, 2020|Washington Post
All the contenders to lead Japan next have policy outlooks similar to Abe’s, Koll said, and whoever gets the nod is unlikely to be in power long.
Want to see Japan’s future? Look past Shinzo Abe’s immediate successor, economist says|Veta Chan|September 3, 2020|Fortune
As a nod to the original character limit, Voice Tweets give your brand 140 seconds to get your message across.
Top five tips to use Twitter’s new Voice Tweets feature|David Ciccarelli|August 25, 2020|Search Engine Watch
I lie and nod my head yes while wiping the tears on my gray fleece sleeve.
You’re Never ‘Cured’ of an Eating Disorder|Carrie Arnold|December 20, 2014|DAILY BEAST
I nod, and he rolls his eyes in the direction of the bathroom.
Alfred Hitchcock’s Fade to Black: The Great Director’s Final Days|David Freeman|December 13, 2014|DAILY BEAST
She set a career nominations record with her 21st nod—all in the TV fields—for Best Actress in a Comedy for Nurse Jackie.
Jennifer Aniston, Oscar Nominee? 5 Takeaways from the 2015 SAG Award Nominations|Kevin Fallon|December 10, 2014|DAILY BEAST
We nod our heads towards Pakistan and he is quiet, staring at the floor.
Heart of Darkness: Into Afghanistan’s Taliban Valley|Matt Trevithick, Daniel Seckman|November 15, 2014|DAILY BEAST
When he says something, nod; this nodding will induce him to agree with you.