Nodding
/ˈnɒdɪŋ/noun
The act of moving the head briefly up and down, often to signal agreement, greeting, or drowsiness.
Did you know?The earliest history of “nod” is uncertain, but many scholars suspect it began as an imitative or expressive Germanic word describing the abrupt motion itself.
Etymological Timeline
Early Germanic
Proto-Germanic
*hnud- / *hnodd- (reconstructed)
“A cautiously reconstructed expressive root associated with a sharp movement or jerk; its exact form and meaning are uncertain.”
Old English
Old English
hnodian
“To nod or make a quick movement of the head.”
Middle English
Middle English
nodden
“To nod, bow the head, or fall into a drowsy posture.”
14th Century
English
noddynge
“The action of nodding; a movement of the head.”
16th Century
English
nodding
“Moving the head up and down, including as a sign of assent.”
Modern English
English
nodding
“Head movement used for agreement, acknowledgment, greeting, or sleepiness.”