# nudging

/ˈnədʒɪŋ/ (US) · /nˈʌdʒɪŋ/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/nudging
Updated: 2026-10-19

## Definition

to push someone or something gently, often with your elbow to get attention. You use this when you want someone to notice something without using many words.

For teachers: to push or touch someone lightly, typically with the elbow to attract attention or signal something. Extends metaphorically to gentle encouragement toward a decision or action.

## Examples

- She is nudging me to look at the funny dog.
- During the meeting he keeps nudging his colleague to remind her that it is her turn to speak.
- The documentary succeeds by gently nudging viewers toward uncomfortable questions about consumption, rather than lecturing them with statistics and moral judgments.

## Synonyms

poke, prod, elbow, tap

## Usage notes

- The verb is transitive and takes a direct object; often followed by 'toward' or 'into' for the metaphorical sense.

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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.