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Meaning & use

nudge

verb, noun·Everyday

Last updated

UK/nʌdʒ/
US/nʌdʒ/

Meanings

  1. verbtransitive

    To push someone or something lightly and gradually, often with the elbow or hand, to get attention or make it move.

    Grammar: Takes an object: nudge the door open.

    Patterns

    • nudge someone
    • nudge something open
    • nudge someone with something

    She nudged her brother when the teacher looked their way.

    He nudged the box under the bed with his foot.

    The cat nudged the door open with its nose.

  2. verbtransitivefigurative

    To gently encourage someone toward a choice or action without forcing them, or to move a number slightly up or down.

    Grammar: Often followed by toward, into or to: nudge someone toward a decision.

    Patterns

    • nudge someone to do something
    • nudge someone toward something
    • nudge something up

    A friendly reminder nudged me to finally book the appointment.

    Strong sales nudged the company's profits up by two percent.

    The app nudges you toward healthier habits with daily goals.

  3. nouncountable

    A light push, or a small reminder or push toward doing something.

    Grammar: Usually singular with a: give someone a nudge.

    Patterns

    • give someone a nudge
    • a nudge toward something

    I felt a nudge on my arm and turned around.

    He needed a little nudge to apply for the job.

    A small price cut could be the nudge buyers need.

Word forms

third person singularnudges
past tensenudged
past participlenudged
-ing formnudging
pluralnudges

Common combinations

nudge someone gently
She nudged him gently to wake him up.
give someone a nudge
Could you give me a nudge when it's my turn?
nudge up
Rising costs nudged prices up again.
nudge toward
The teacher nudged the class toward the right answer.
a gentle nudge
All he needed was a gentle nudge to speak up.
nudge open
She nudged the gate open with her shoulder.

Synonyms and how they differ

prod
Prod is sharper and often uses a pointed object or fingertip, while a nudge is soft.
jostle
Jostle describes rough pushing in a crowd, whereas nudge is a single light touch.
prompt
Prompt usually means encouraging someone to speak or act and does not involve any physical push.
urge
Urge is more forceful and sounds stronger than a nudge, which is quiet and mild.

Opposites

shove

Word family

nudging noun
the act of giving a gentle push or prompt
nudge theory noun
the idea that small cues can change behavior

Commonly confused: nudge or nuzzle?

nudge vs nuzzle

Nuzzle means to rub or press gently with the nose, as an animal does. A nudge is a short push with an elbow, hand or nose.

Practice

I was falling asleep in the lecture until my friend gave me a ___ in the ribs.

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