prod

1 of 4

verb

prodded; prodding

transitive verb

1
a
: to thrust a pointed instrument into : prick
b
: to incite to action : stir
2
: to poke or stir as if with a prod

intransitive verb

: to urge someone on
prodder noun

prod

2 of 4

noun (1)

1
: a pointed instrument used to prod
2
: an incitement to act
needed a few prods to remember her lines

prod

3 of 4

abbreviation

Prod

4 of 4

noun (2)

chiefly Ireland, often disparaging + offensive

Examples of prod in a Sentence

Verb She prodded him in the ribs to get his attention. She was prodded into joining the team. Noun (1) She gave him a sharp prod in the back. He picked up a stick and used it as a prod to get the donkey moving. He needed a few prods to remember his lines. She called me and gave me a prod about finishing the report.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Verb
The 10% tariff on Chinese imports – also aimed at prodding that country to halt fentanyl crossings into the U.S. – was imposed after a call between Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping aimed at averting the fees was canceled. Paul Davidson, USA TODAY, 6 Feb. 2025 Fewer remote work opportunities President Donald Trump’s mandate that federal workers return to the office full time may prod some of those who want to continue teleworking to consider the package. Tami Luhby, CNN, 6 Feb. 2025
Noun
Leave new hairs alone You may be tempted to poke and prod at new hairs. Ariana Yaptangco, Glamour, 5 Feb. 2025 During the campaign, Trump vowed to impose 60% tariffs on Chinese imports and 10% levies on shipments from all other countries to prod manufacturers to move production back to the U.S. Paul Davidson, USA TODAY, 6 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for prod 

Word History

Etymology

Verb

origin unknown

Noun (2)

by shortening & alteration

First Known Use

Verb

1535, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Noun (1)

1676, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun (2)

1837, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of prod was in 1535

Dictionary Entries Near prod

Cite this Entry

“Prod.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prod. Accessed 10 Feb. 2025.

Kids Definition

prod

1 of 2 verb
prodded; prodding
1
: to poke with something
2
: to stir a person or animal to action
kept prodding me to reveal the secret
prodder noun

prod

2 of 2 noun
1
: something used for prodding
2
: an act of prodding : a sharp urging or reminder

More from Merriam-Webster on prod

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!