nod

nod1 [ nad ] verb ***

1. ) intransitive or transitive to move your head first downward and then upward, to answer Yes to a question or to show that you agree, approve, or understand:

I expected an argument, but she just nodded and went out.

The manager nodded his understanding.

nod in agreement/approval/sympathy: Alison smiled and nodded in agreement.

nod your head: Luke was nodding his head thoughtfully.

─ opposite SHAKE YOUR HEAD

2. ) intransitive to move your head once in a particular direction, for example to make someone look at something or to give someone a signal to do something:

nod toward/in the direction of: They're having fun, she said, nodding toward the kids on the beach.

nod at: She nodded at the waiter for him to bring in the bill.

nod to: I nodded to my friend and she rang the bell.

3. ) intransitive or transitive to move your head downward and upward as a way of saying hello, goodbye, thank you, etc.:

Mel nodded her thanks to Adam.

nod at: The man smiled shyly and nodded at her.

4. ) intransitive LITERARY if a plant or other long object nods, its top part moves slightly forward several times:

The ears of corn nodded gently in the breeze.

have a nodding acquaintance with someone/be on nodding terms with someone

to know someone well enough to say hello to them, but not know them very well

,nod `off phrasal verb intransitive INFORMAL

to go to sleep, especially when you do not intend to

nod

nod 2 [ nad ] noun count *

the movement you make when you nod your head:

He indicated the letter with a nod of his head.

She gave a nod of understanding.