nudge Meaning & Definition
What Does Nudge Mean?
As a noun, nudge means A gentle push. It can also mean A feature of instant messaging software used to get the attention of another user, as by shaking the conversation window or playing a sound. As a verb, it means To push against gently, especially in order to gain attention or give a signal.
Word Facts for Nudge
| Part of speech | noun, verb |
|---|---|
| Pronunciation | //nʌd͡ʒ// |
| Syllables | 1 |
| Synonyms | prod and poke at |
| Plural | nudges |
| Verb forms | nudges, nudging, nudged |
Nudge Definition (Noun)
- A gentle push.
give someone a nudge
- A feature of instant messaging software used to get the attention of another user, as by shaking the conversation window or playing a sound.
- The rotation by one step of a fruit machine reel of the player's choice.
Since the machine was showing two lemons and a cherry, I decided to try a nudge.
- The use of positive reinforcement and indirect suggestions as ways to influence.
Nudge as a Verb
- To push against gently, especially in order to gain attention or give a signal.
- To near or come close to something.
This year's profits are nudging the 10 million mark.
- To move slightly.
Noun
- Alternative form of nudzh.
Synonyms of Nudge
Nudge synonyms and antonyms →Antonyms of Nudge
No antonyms or near antonyms are listed by the available sources for this entry.
Nudge in a Sentence
give someone a nudge
Since the machine was showing two lemons and a cherry, I decided to try a nudge.
This year's profits are nudging the 10 million mark.
Word Forms & Grammar
nudge (plural nudges)
nudge (third-person singular simple present nudges, present participle nudging, simple past and past participle nudged)
Words That Rhyme With Nudge
Origin of Nudge
Origin 1: Circa 17th century, perhaps of North Germanic origin, related to Norwegian nugge, nyggje (“to push, rub, shove”), Icelandic nugga (“to rub, massage”), from the root of Proto-Germanic *hnōjaną (“to smooth, join together”), from Proto-Indo-European *kneh₂- (compare Ancient Greek κνάω (knáō, “to scratch, scrape”), source of English acnestis).[1]
Origin 2: Compare also Scots nodge (“to push, poke, nudge”), knidge (“to push, squeeze”), gnidge (“to rub, press, squeeze, bruise”), and knudge (“to squeeze, press down with the knuckles”), Saterland Frisian Nukke, Nuk (“a sudden push”), Middle Low German nucke, nücke, gnücke (“a sudden push, shock, impetus”). Compare also dialectal nuch (“to tremble”), Middle English nuchen (“to tremble”).
How Do You Say Nudge?
You say nudge as //nʌd͡ʒ//. It has 1 syllable.
Quick Answers About Nudge
Is nudge a noun or a verb?
Nudge is mainly used as a noun, but it can also be used as a verb.
What is another word for nudge?
You can replace nudge with words such as prod and poke at. See the full list of nudge synonyms and antonyms.
What is the plural of nudge?
The plural of nudge is nudges.
What is the past tense of nudge?
The past tense of nudge is nudged. The present participle is nudging.