# nod

/ˈnɑd/ (US) · /nˈɒd/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/nod
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Senses

### 1. to agree or greet

verb · CEFR B1

to move your head up and down to say 'yes' or to say hello to someone.

For teachers: to incline the head rapidly as a sign of assent, agreement, or acknowledgment.

- When I asked if he was ready, he just gave a quick nod and picked up his bag.
- The chairman nodded silently as the consultant outlined the potential risks, indicating his understanding without interrupting the flow of the presentation.

### 2. to fall asleep

verb · CEFR B2

to start falling asleep, especially while sitting up, so that your head drops forward.

For teachers: to let the head drop forward through drowsiness; often used with 'off'.

- The lecture was so boring that several students started to nod off in the back row.
- After a double shift at the hospital, she found herself nodding over her book, unable to focus on a single sentence.

### 3. to refer to

verb · CEFR C1 · Literary

to mention or show respect to something in a subtle way.

For teachers: to make a subtle or indirect reference to something; to allude to a previous work or idea.

- The new building's design nods to the traditional style of the neighborhood.
- The director's latest film frequently nods to classic noir cinema through its use of high-contrast lighting and cynical dialogue.

### 4. a head movement

noun · CEFR B1

a single movement of the head up and down.

For teachers: a brief downward and upward movement of the head.

- With a slight nod of her head, she signaled that the meeting was over.
- He gave a curt nod to his rival across the room, acknowledging his presence without offering a formal greeting.

### 5. approval or selection

noun · CEFR B2

a sign of approval or being chosen for something.

For teachers: an act of giving approval or a nomination for an award or position.

- The young actress was surprised to get the nod for the lead role in the play.
- The committee gave the final nod to the renovation project after reviewing the updated budget and safety reports.

### 6. drug stupor

noun · CEFR C2 · Slang

a state of being half-asleep or confused because of strong drugs.

For teachers: a state of semi-consciousness or stupor induced by the use of narcotics, particularly opioids.

- The documentary showed the harsh reality of addicts lost in the nod on city streets.
- The patient was found in a deep nod, barely responsive to external stimuli following the accidental overdose.

## Examples

- She gave a quick nod to show she understood the instructions.
- When the manager asked if everyone was ready to start, the team members simply nodded in unison.
- The witness gave a slight nod toward the defendant, confirming the identification without uttering a single word to the court.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.