nudge

[ nuhj ]

/ nʌdʒ /

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR nudge ON THESAURUS.COM

verb (used with object), nudged, nudg·ing.

to push slightly or gently, especially with the elbow, to get someone's attention, prod someone into action, etc.

verb (used without object), nudged, nudg·ing.

to give a nudge.

noun

a slight or gentle push or jog, especially with the elbow.

Nearby words

nuddy, nude, nude descending a staircase, nude mouse, nudely, nudge, nudgy, nudi-, nudibranch, nudibranchiate, nudicaudate

Origin of nudge

1665–75; variant of dial. (k)nidge, akin to Old English cnucian, cnocian to knock

SYNONYMS FOR nudge

1 elbow, poke, jog.

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR nudge ON THESAURUS.COM

Related forms

nudg·er, noun

Definition for nudged (2 of 2)

nudge

or noodge, nudzh

[ noo j ]

/ nʊdʒ /

verb (used with object), nudged, nudg·ing.

to annoy with persistent complaints, criticisms, or pleas; nag: He was always nudging his son to move to a better neighborhood.

verb (used without object), nudged, nudg·ing.

to nag, whine, or carp.

noun

a person who nudges; pest.

Origin of nudge

1875–80; < Yiddish, stem of nudyen to bore < Polish nudzić; cf. nudnik

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for nudged

She paused at one point due to the pain, and handler Red Eldridge nudged her to keep moving.
Thrills and Too Many Spills: The Dangers of the Circus|Marina Watts|May 5, 2014|DAILY BEAST
He nudged with a foot at a busted-out bucket, moving easier now, down the slope—more old gear in the grass.
The Ballad of Johnny France|Richard Ben Cramer|January 12, 2014|DAILY BEAST
In the previous Qpoll, DeBlasio had nudged into a one-point lead over Quinn at 26-25.
New York City: DeBlasio Running Away?|Michael Tomasky|August 28, 2013|DAILY BEAST
Even if that means, sometimes, she has to be nudged back a little.
Jewel Is Back in ‘Ring of Fire’ and You Should Be Very Excited|Kevin Fallon|May 24, 2013|DAILY BEAST

Whether it was on a conscious or unconscious level, he found a loophole in sports media and nudged his story through it.
Deadspin Rides Manti Te’o Hoax Story to Renown—and Keeps Heat on ESPN|David Freedlander|February 5, 2013|DAILY BEAST
And one nudged his neighbour and pointed to the name of Tom Hamon, cut deeper than any of the others and with the N upside down.
A Maid of the Silver Sea|John Oxenham
They stood for a short time in silence; then Pendleton nudged his friend with an elbow.
Ashton-Kirk, Investigator|John T. McIntyre
So full was she with plans for the books that she did not hear steps behind her and at her side until Sue Greyson nudged her.
Tessa Wadsworth's Discipline|Jennie M. Drinkwater
At this point in his reverie Mary nudged him, perceiving that his mind was absent.
The Man That Corrupted Hadleyburg and Other Stories|Mark Twain (Samuel Clemens)
But Foy nudged Martin in the ribs and muttered, "Well done, old fellow, well done!"
Lysbeth|H. Rider Haggard

British Dictionary definitions for nudged

nudge

/ (nʌdʒ) /

verb (tr)

to push or poke (someone) gently, esp with the elbow, to get attention; jog

to push slowly or lightlyas I drove out, I just nudged the gatepost

to give (someone) a gentle reminder or encouragement

noun

a gentle poke or push

a gentle reminder

Derived Forms

nudger, noun

Word Origin for nudge

C17: perhaps from Scandinavian; compare Icelandic nugga to push

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012