head nudge

Meanings

1. 1nouncountable

   A gentle push with the top or side of the head against someone or something, often to show affection or get attention.

   Grammar: Countable: you can say 'a head nudge' or 'two head nudges'.

   Patterns

   • give someone a head nudge
   • a head nudge against something

   The cat gave my hand a soft head nudge to ask for food.

   She greeted her friend with a friendly head nudge.

   The puppy's head nudge knocked the cup off the table.

2. 2verbtransitive or intransitive

   To push gently with the head against someone or something, usually to show affection or to get attention.

   Grammar: Can be used with an object (head nudge someone) or without (the cat head nudged).

   Patterns

   • head nudge someone
   • head nudge against something

   The kitten head nudged my ankle until I picked her up.

   He head nudged the door open because his hands were full.

   The horse head nudged the gate, hoping for a treat.

Word forms

Common combinations

give a head nudge

The dog gave a head nudge to my leg to say hello.

gentle head nudge

She woke me with a gentle head nudge.

head nudge against

The calf head nudged against its mother's side.

affectionate head nudge

His affectionate head nudge made her smile.

Synonyms and how they differ

bunt

Used more for animals like cats and goats; it often suggests a stronger push than a head nudge.

butt

Usually a harder hit with the head, often aggressive, unlike a gentle head nudge.

Word family

nudge verb

To push someone or something gently, especially with your elbow.

nudger noun

A person who nudges, or a tool that nudges.

Commonly confused: head nudge or headbutt?

Practice

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