prod
verb (used with object)
to poke or jab with or as if with something pointed.
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prod
1 American
[prod]
/ prɒd /
verb (used with object)
prodded,
prodding
noun
-
the act of prodding; a poke or jab.
-
any of various pointed instruments used as a goad, especially an electrified rod that administers a mild shock.
a cattle prod.
Prod
2
American
[prod]
/ prɒd /
noun
Chiefly Ulster Slang: Disparaging and Offensive.
prod.
3
American
abbreviation
-
produce.
-
produced.
-
producer.
-
product.
-
production.
prod
1
British
/ prɒd /
verb
-
to poke or jab with or as if with a pointed object
-
(tr) to rouse or urge to action
noun
-
the act or an instance of prodding
-
a sharp or pointed object
-
a stimulus or reminder
prod.
2
British
abbreviation
-
produce
-
produced
-
product
Prod
3
British
/ prɒd /
noun
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of prod1
First recorded in 1525–35; origin uncertain
Origin of Prod2
By shortening; d probably reflects the voicing or flap characteristic of some Ulster accents
Explanation
A teacher might use a verbal prod when students aren't participating in class. A prod is an encouragement, like the threat of a quiz. Just hope the teacher doesn't use the kind of prod a rancher uses to keep cattle moving! Prod can also be a verb that refers to a soft poke or a nudge, like when you prod someone in the ribs with your finger. It can also describe verbal encouragement that's used when you want something or want to know something. For example, you might prod your sister into helping you do your math homework.
Vocabulary lists containing prod
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone
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List 5
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Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
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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.
The shift is expected to prod additional stock purchases of SpaceX from investment funds built around the index.
From Barron's • May 17, 2026
Higher fuel expenses would raise inflation, crimp consumer spending and prod businesses to put hiring and investment plans on hold.
From MarketWatch • May 9, 2026
Sweden believed one of the Canadians was repeatedly double-touching, giving the stone another little prod with his finger to correct its course during Friday's round robin match.
From Barron's • Feb. 14, 2026
That coaster originally came with a nobler purpose, which is why I keep it handy and in plain sight as a prod to my own civic conscience.
From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 4, 2026
“Yes, I expect so,” said Dumbledore, withdrawing a fresh bottle of silver memories from inside his robes and uncorking it with a prod of his wand.
From "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince" by J.K. Rowling
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.
