Verb: to move your head up and down, usually to show agreement, understanding, or greeting. Noun: the act of moving your head in this way.
From Middle English “nodden,” probably from a Germanic root meaning “to move the head.” It has been used for centuries to describe the small, quick head movement we still make today.
A nod can mean very different things across cultures—agreement, respect, or just a greeting. Writers talk about giving someone a “nod” not just with the head, but in the sense of a subtle mention or honor in a story or film.
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