nodding

1 of 2

adjective

nod·​ding ˈnä-diŋ How to pronounce nodding (audio)
Synonyms of noddingnext
1
: bending downward or forward : drooping
nodding flowers
2
: slight, superficial
a nodding acquaintance

nodding

2 of 2

present participle of nod entry 1

Synonyms of nodding

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Adjective

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Examples of nodding in a Sentence

Adjective some students, with nodding heads, were helplessly falling asleep during the boring lecture
Recent Examples on the Web
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Adjective
James O’Donoghue, a planetary scientist with the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, likened our planet’s tilting phenomenon to a nodding head. — Aylin Woodward, WSJ, 21 Dec. 2021

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of nodding was in the 15th century

Phrases Containing nodding

Rhymes for nodding

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Browse Nearby Words

nodder
nodding
nodding acquaintance
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Cite this Entry

“Nodding.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nodding. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

nodding

adjective
nod·​ding
ˈnäd-iŋ
: bending downward or forward
a plant with nodding flowers
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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