v.
(nods, nodding, nodded)
- lower and raise one's head slightly and briefly, especially in greeting, assent, or understanding, or as a signal.
▸signify or express in this way:
he nodded his consent.
▸
(nod something through)
informal approve something by general agreement and without discussion.
▸move one's head up and down repeatedly.
- let one's head fall forward when drowsy or asleep.
▸
(nod off)
informal fall asleep.
▸make a mistake due to a momentary lack of attention.
[with allusion to L. dormitat Homerus ‘even Homer nods’ (Horace Ars Poet. 359).]
- Soccer head (the ball) in a specified direction without great force.
n.
an act of nodding.
▸a gesture of acknowledgement or concession.
Phrase
- a nodding acquaintance
a slight acquaintance. - be on nodding terms
know someone slightly. - give someone/thing the nod
- select or approve someone or something.
- give someone a signal.
- on the nod
Brit. informal - by general agreement and without discussion.
- dated on credit.
Etymology
ME: perh. of Low Ger. origin.