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
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
Wilson Chapman, IndieWire, 22 Oct. 2025
The Talons are a practical tool designed for fire management, intended for people who like to poke and prod and arrange the flame for ultimate combustibility and efficiency.
—Graham Averill, Outside, 11 Oct. 2025
David Fear, Rolling Stone, 13 Aug. 2025
California’s effort to prod insurers to sell more policies and get homeowners in fire risk areas off the state’s pricey last-resort plan is progressing, but slowly, and higher premiums are likely in store after January’s devastating Los Angeles wildfires.
—Bay Area News Group, Mercury News, 3 Aug. 2025
David Fear, Rolling Stone, 13 Aug. 2025
California’s effort to prod insurers to sell more policies and get homeowners in fire risk areas off the state’s pricey last-resort plan is progressing, but slowly, and higher premiums are likely in store after January’s devastating Los Angeles wildfires.
—Bay Area News Group, Mercury News, 3 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for prod
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show current usage.
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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Verb
As Denji grapples with his growing feelings for her despite his loyalty to Makima, Reze begins prodding him to consider his place in Public Safety, and whether a teenager should really be put in the position of risking his life for the bare minimum of food and shelter.
—Wilson Chapman, IndieWire, 22 Oct. 2025
The Talons are a practical tool designed for fire management, intended for people who like to poke and prod and arrange the flame for ultimate combustibility and efficiency.
—Graham Averill, Outside, 11 Oct. 2025
Noun
Don’t the judges just parade you around, then poke, prod and grope you?
—David Fear, Rolling Stone, 13 Aug. 2025
California’s effort to prod insurers to sell more policies and get homeowners in fire risk areas off the state’s pricey last-resort plan is progressing, but slowly, and higher premiums are likely in store after January’s devastating Los Angeles wildfires.
—Bay Area News Group, Mercury News, 3 Aug. 2025
Noun
Don’t the judges just parade you around, then poke, prod and grope you?
—David Fear, Rolling Stone, 13 Aug. 2025
California’s effort to prod insurers to sell more policies and get homeowners in fire risk areas off the state’s pricey last-resort plan is progressing, but slowly, and higher premiums are likely in store after January’s devastating Los Angeles wildfires.
—Bay Area News Group, Mercury News, 3 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for prod
Cite this Entry
“Prod.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prod. Accessed 4 Nov. 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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