nods
|nods|
🇺🇸
/nɑdz/
🇬🇧
/nɒdz/
(nod)
head movement
Etymology
'nod' originates from Middle English, specifically the word 'nodden', where the form likely represented a frequentative or imitative root for a quick head movement.
'nod' changed from Middle English 'nodden' and eventually became the modern English word 'nod' (with related forms in other Germanic languages).
Initially, it meant 'to make a quick motion of the head'; over time it has retained that core sense and expanded to cover related senses such as brief dozing and figurative approval.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
plural of 'nod': small downward movements of the head used as gestures (e.g., to show agreement, acknowledgement, or approval).
His nods during the meeting showed his agreement.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Verb 1
third-person singular present of 'nod': to lower and then raise the head slightly and briefly, especially to indicate agreement, acknowledgement, or greeting.
She nods whenever she understands a point.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Verb 2
third-person singular present of 'nod' (intransitive): to doze briefly; to begin to fall asleep (often used with 'off').
He often nods during long lectures.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Idioms
Last updated: 2025/11/03 10:16