¦ verb (nods, nodding, nodded)
1. 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.
2. 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).]
3. Soccer head (the ball) in a specified direction without great force.
¦ noun an act of nodding.
?a gesture of acknowledgement or concession.
Phrases
a nodding acquaintance a slight acquaintance.
be on nodding terms know someone slightly.
give someone/thing the nod
1. select or approve someone or something.
2. give someone a signal.
on the nod Brit. informal
1. by general agreement and without discussion.
2. dated on credit.
Origin
ME: perh. of Low Ger. origin.