nudge
1 Americanverb (used with object)
verb (used without object)
noun
verb (used with object)
verb (used without object)
noun
verb
-
to push or poke (someone) gently, esp with the elbow, to get attention; jog
-
to push slowly or lightly
as 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
Usage
Where does the word nudge come from? As our definitions show above, nudge is a verb meaning "to push slightly or gently, specifically with an elbow when doing so literally, in order to get someone's attention or to prod someone along." A nudge is also a noun, meaning "a slight or gentle push or jog, especially with the elbow."But as far as we’re concerned, the origin of the word nudge could certainly stand to budge, as it's often considered obscure. However, we suspect nudge, found by 1665–75, comes from a dialectical variation of knidge or nidge, related to the Old English cnucian or cnocian, meaning "to knock." Every now and again, maybe a stubborn word origin just needs a little ... nudge. Nudge isn’t alone: it finds lots of company in other English words that seem simple but whose origins are not. Discover more in our slideshow “‘Dog,’ ‘Boy,’ And Other Words That We Don’t Know Where They Came From."
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Etymology
Origin of nudge1
1665–75; variant of dial. ( k ) nidge, akin to Old English cnucian, cnocian to knock
Origin of nudge2
1875–80; < Yiddish, stem of nudyen to bore < Polish nudzić; cf. nudnik
Explanation
Sometimes you just need a little nudge or slight push to get your day going. It might be a coffee, or your favorite song, or your mom stripping the covers and standing over your bed. Take your pick. Some people believe the word nudge comes from the Norwegian dialect nugga meaning "to push, rub." This makes sense, since a nudge is a push of sorts. But it's more of a gentle push. Think of nudging coals around in a fire or a crowd of people nudging to the stage at a concert. When you gently annoy your husband so he'll mow the lawn, you're nudging him along.
Vocabulary lists containing nudge
Because of Winn-Dixie
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Dear Martin
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Bronx Masquerade
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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.
Higher inflation, the building pressure on the Taiwan dollar from other central banks’ tightening, and high oil prices could nudge the CBC to deliver a surprise hike.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 12, 2026
With less of a regulatory nudge, companies can soak up round after round of funding from investors looking for exponential returns.
From Barron's • May 22, 2026
An expert in livestock welfare, she said that handlers can tap, push and nudge animals.
From Los Angeles Times • May 12, 2026
It’s my fatherly nudge to do something that they’re a little nervous or apprehensive about, like the double black diamond or even trying a new food.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 4, 2026
Suddenly I felt a nudge against my leg.
From "Sir Fig Newton and the Science of Persistence" by Sonja Thomas
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.
