Library / English Dictionary

NOD

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

Irregular inflected forms: nodded    , nodding   

 I. (noun) 

Sense 1

Meaning:

The act of nodding the head

Classified under:

Nouns denoting acts or actions

Hypernyms ("nod" is a kind of...):

inclination; inclining (the act of inclining; bending forward)

Hyponyms (each of the following is a kind of "nod"):

nutation (uncontrolled nodding)

Derivation:

nod (let the head fall forward through drowsiness)

nod (lower and raise the head, as to indicate assent or agreement or confirmation)

Sense 2

Meaning:

A sign of assent or salutation or command

Classified under:

Nouns denoting communicative processes and contents

Hypernyms ("nod" is a kind of...):

gesture; motion (the use of movements (especially of the hands) to communicate familiar or prearranged signals)

Derivation:

nod (express or signify by nodding)

 II. (verb) 

Sense 1

Meaning:

Be almost asleep

Example:

The old man sat nodding by the fireplace

Classified under:

Verbs of grooming, dressing and bodily care

Hypernyms (to "nod" is one way to...):

drowse (be on the verge of sleeping)

Sentence frames:

Something ----s
Somebody ----s

Sense 2

Meaning:

Let the head fall forward through drowsiness

Example:

The old man was nodding in his chair

Classified under:

Verbs of grooming, dressing and bodily care

Sentence frames:

Something ----s
Somebody ----s

Derivation:

nod (the act of nodding the head)

Sense 3

Meaning:

Lower and raise the head, as to indicate assent or agreement or confirmation

Example:

The teacher nodded when the student gave the right answer

Classified under:

Verbs of telling, asking, ordering, singing

Hypernyms (to "nod" is one way to...):

communicate; intercommunicate (transmit thoughts or feelings)

Sentence frames:

Somebody ----s
Somebody ----s to somebody

Derivation:

nod (the act of nodding the head)

Sense 4

Meaning:

Express or signify by nodding

Example:

He nodded his approval

Classified under:

Verbs of telling, asking, ordering, singing

Hypernyms (to "nod" is one way to...):

gesticulate; gesture; motion (show, express or direct through movement)

Sentence frame:

Somebody ----s something

Derivation:

nod (a sign of assent or salutation or command)

Sense 5

Meaning:

Sway gently back and forth, as in a nodding motion

Example:

the flowers were nodding in the breeze

Classified under:

Verbs of walking, flying, swimming

Hypernyms (to "nod" is one way to...):

move (move so as to change position, perform a nontranslational motion)

Sentence frames:

Something ----s
Something is ----ing PP

Credits

 Context examples: 

The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my companion.

(The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

I nodded, and stood by the door.

(The Return of Sherlock Holmes, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

She nodded her head; and I could see sympathy warm in her eyes.

(The Sea-Wolf, by Jack London)

They are not very wearing, so they'll keep. and Jo stitched away, with a wise nod which set her mother's heart at rest about her for the present at least.

(Little Women, by Louisa May Alcott)

She would have ordered the carriage, and come to you, but she must see you alone, and that you know—(nodding towards her father)—Humph!

(Emma, by Jane Austen)

She nodded again at the moon.

(Jane Eyre, by Charlotte Brontë)

The Abbot patted his foot and nodded his head, as one who passes a point but does not forget it.

(The White Company, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

Well, Edmund, he continued, returning to the former subject, posture, and voice, as soon as Lady Bertram began to nod again, but this I will maintain, that we shall be doing no harm.

(Mansfield Park, by Jane Austen)

"Then it is settled," said Lord John, and turning to the chief he nodded and slapped his rifle.

(The Lost World, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

“This is my room, sir,” said Belcher, nodding to a door upon the right.

(Rodney Stone, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)