nod

To move your head down and up to show agreement or say yes.

• He smiled and nodded.
• She nodded her head when I asked if she was ready.
• They all nodded in agreement with my suggestion.

How to use it: nod in agreement (She nodded in agreement with the plan.)

Opposites: shake your head

Common phrases: nod in agreement, nod your head, nod approval

To show agreement or communicate something by moving your head up and down.

• He nodded yes.
• She nodded her approval of the plan.
• They nodded their agreement and left.

How to use it: nod something (She nodded her agreement with the proposal.)

Common phrases: nod agreement, nod assent, nod approval

To make a mistake because you briefly lose attention or feel tired.

• Even great writers nod sometimes.
• The careful editor nodded and missed a spelling error.
• Even experts can nod when they are tired.

Similar words: slip up, err

Common phrases: even experts nod, sometimes nod

A small up-and-down movement of your head to say yes or greet someone.

• He answered with a nod.
• She greeted us with a friendly nod.
• We exchanged quick nods across the room.

How to use it: a nod of something (He gave a nod of agreement.); give someone a nod (She gave the driver a friendly nod.)

Common phrases: a quick nod, a friendly nod, nod of agreement

Permission or agreement that allows a plan to go ahead.

• Our plan got the nod.
• The boss gave me the nod to begin.
• Has the committee given the new building the nod?

How to use it: get the nod from someone (The project got the nod from the council.); give someone/something the nod (The manager gave our proposal the nod.)

Similar words: approval, permission, go-ahead

Opposites: rejection

Common phrases: get the nod, give the nod

An official choice of someone as a possible winner of an award.

• The film earned an Oscar nod.
• She received two Grammy nods this year.
• Will his latest performance get an award nod?

How to use it: a nod for something (She received a nod for best supporting actress.)

Similar words: nomination

Common phrases: an Oscar nod, a Grammy nod, earn a nod