nod / näd/ • v. (nod·ded, nod·ding) 1. [intr.] lower and raise one's head slightly and briefly, esp. in greeting, assent, or understanding, or to give someone a signal: he nodded to Monica to unlock the door | [tr.] she nodded her head in agreement. ∎  [tr.] signify or express (greeting, assent, or understanding) in this way: he nodded his consent. ∎  [intr.] draw or direct attention to someone or something by moving one's head: he nodded toward the corner of the room. ∎  move one's head up and down repeatedly: he shut his eyes, nodding to the beat| fig. foxgloves nodding by the path. 2. [intr.] have one's head fall forward when drowsy or asleep: Anna nodded over her book.• n. an act of nodding the head: at a nod from his father, he left the room. ∎ fig. a gesture of acknowledgment or concession: a feel-good musical with a nod to pantomime.PHRASES: a nodding acquaintance a slight acquaintance with a person or cursory knowledge of a subject: students will need a nodding acquaintance with three other languages.get the nod1. be selected or approved.2. receive a signal or information.give someone/something the nod1. select or approve someone or something: they banned one book but gave the other the nod.2. give someone a signal.PHRASAL VERBS: nod off inf. fall asleep, esp. briefly or unintentionally: some of the congregation nodded off during the sermon.nod out inf. fall asleep, esp. from the effects of a drug: they go to a coffee shop, get stoned, go to a club at 11, and nod out at midnight.