plod
Americanverb (used without object)
verb (used with object)
noun
-
the act or a course of plodding.
-
a sound of a heavy tread.
verb
-
to make (one's way) or walk along (a path, road, etc) with heavy usually slow steps
-
(intr) to work slowly and perseveringly
noun
-
the act of plodding
-
the sound of slow heavy steps
-
slang a policeman
Synonym Usage
See pace 1.
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
-
unploddingadjective
-
outplodverb (used with object)
-
ploddingnessnoun
-
ploddinglyadverb
-
ploddingadjective
-
ploddernoun
Conjugated Forms
Present
-
has ploddedperfect 3rd person singular
-
have ploddedperfect
-
has been ploddingperfect progressive 3rd person singular
-
are ploddingprogressive
-
am ploddingprogressive 1st person singular
-
have been ploddingperfect progressive
-
is ploddingprogressive 3rd person singular
-
ploddingparticiple
-
plodssingular 3rd person
Past
-
had ploddedperfect
-
had been ploddingperfect progressive
-
were ploddingprogressive plural
-
ploddedsimple
-
was ploddingprogressive singular
-
ploddedparticiple
Future
Etymology
Origin of plod
First recorded in 1555–65; perhaps imitative
Explanation
When you plod, you walk slowly, heavily, and deliberately. You might need to plod through the snow to get to the bus stop on time. Plod evokes a difficulty in walking — like when you trudge through mud or walk slowly up a steep hill. You might plod home at the end of a long day, or plod through an overgrown field on a hot afternoon. You can also use plod figuratively to mean "work on something boring or monotonous." The origin of plod is unknown, but it may have come from the sound of feet on the ground — the sound you make when you plod.
Vocabulary lists containing plod
Touching Spirit Bear
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
The Girl Who Drank the Moon
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
Pace Yourself: Synonyms for "Slow"
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
In Kirk’s name, they will continue to plod through long, grueling, nonsensical arguments about Egyptian aircraft and Emmanuel Macron, with people who are simply never going to listen.
From Slate • Dec. 22, 2025
In trying to make media-watching “easier,” tech has slowed the process to a maddening plod.
From Salon • May 22, 2025
For years, modular companies have vowed to revolutionize the homebuilding industry only to fail spectacularly or plod along amid technological problems and skepticism about limited designs and quality.
From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 27, 2025
During Carnival this year, as many as 70 will plod through the swarming crowds each day, Edington said.
From Seattle Times • Feb. 9, 2024
I watch Ruby plod around the ring in endless circles, going nowhere.
From "The One and Only Ivan" by Katherine Applegate
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
