nudge

A small, gentle push, often to attract someone's attention or give a quiet signal.

• She gave me a nudge.
• A gentle nudge woke him up.
• He felt a nudge in his ribs and looked around.

How to use it: give someone/something a nudge (I gave the door a nudge with my foot.)

Similar words: gentle push, prod

Common phrases: a gentle nudge, give a nudge, a playful nudge

A move that turns one chosen wheel of a slot machine forward by one position.

• I used my last nudge.
• One more nudge would line up the cherries.
• The machine awarded two nudges after the spin.

Common phrases: use a nudge, one more nudge, a winning nudge

To push someone or something gently, often to get attention or give a signal.

• Please nudge me if I fall asleep.
• He nudged the door open with his foot.
• She nudged her brother and pointed at the stage.

How to use it: nudge someone/something with something (She nudged me with her elbow.)

Similar words: prod, push gently

Common phrases: nudge someone gently, nudge someone's arm, nudge something open

To come close to a particular number, amount, or limit.

• Sales are nudging a million.
• The temperature nudged forty degrees yesterday.
• With profits nudging last year's record, the company hired more staff.

Similar words: approach, near

Common phrases: nudge a million, nudge the limit, nudge a record