prodded; prodding
2
: to poke or stir as if with a prod
: to urge someone on
prodder
noun
1
: a pointed instrument used to prod
2
: an incitement to act
needed a few prods to remember her lines
chiefly Ireland, often disparaging + offensive
Synonyms
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
Sheila Jaffe, Sun Sentinel, 12 Jan. 2025
In fact, up until World War II, the most common method for finding the explosives was to prod the ground with a pointed stick or bayonet.
—IEEE Spectrum, 8 Jan. 2025
Paul Davidson, USA TODAY, 6 Jan. 2025
Breast of Both Worlds Reversible Comfort Bra Nobody likes a bra that pokes and prods, and this ribbed wireless bra is the exact opposite.
—Alyssa Brascia, People.com, 27 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for prod 
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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Verb
Those of us who came after must give thanks to the dedication of Dr. Jonas Salk and Dr. Albert Sabin, who persevered at no financial benefit to themselves to develop the polio vaccine, so that healthy children and adults can prod their body to develop the antibodies that give them immunity.
—Sheila Jaffe, Sun Sentinel, 12 Jan. 2025
In fact, up until World War II, the most common method for finding the explosives was to prod the ground with a pointed stick or bayonet.
—IEEE Spectrum, 8 Jan. 2025
Noun
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
Breast of Both Worlds Reversible Comfort Bra Nobody likes a bra that pokes and prods, and this ribbed wireless bra is the exact opposite.
—Alyssa Brascia, People.com, 27 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for prod
Dictionary Entries Near prod
Cite this Entry
“Prod.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prod. Accessed 21 Jan. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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 noun1
: something used for prodding
2
: an act of prodding : a sharp urging or reminder
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