Definition of "nod" in English

verb

1. (ambitransitive) To incline the head up and down, as to indicate agreement.

2. (ambitransitive) To briefly incline the head downwards as a cursory greeting.

3. (ambitransitive) To sway, move up and down.

4. (intransitive) To gradually fall asleep.

5. (transitive) To signify by a nod.

   • They nodded their assent.

6. (intransitive) To make a mistake by being temporarily inattentive or tired

   • Even Homer nods.

7. (transitive, intransitive, soccer) To head; to strike the ball with one's head.

   • Jones nods the ball back to his goalkeeper.

8. (intransitive, figuratively) To allude to something.

   • Though the title nods to the Italian neo-realist classic Bicycle Thieves—and Cyril, much like the father and son in that movie, spends much of his time tracking down the oft-stolen possession—The Kid With A Bike isn’t about the bike as something essential to his livelihood, but as his sole connection to the freedom and play of childhood itself.

9. (intransitive, slang) To fall asleep while under the influence of opiates.

noun

1. An instance of inclining the head up and down, as to indicate agreement, or as a cursory greeting.

2. A reference or allusion to something.

3. A nomination.

   • For the fifth time in her career she received a Grammy nod, she has yet to win the award.
   • Allen Gregory DeLongpre: Really putting a damper on the ol' Tony nod.

4. (figurative) Approval.

   • The plan is expected to get the nod from councillors at the next meeting.

5. A state of half-consciousness; stupor.