prod

¹ American  

[prod] / prɒd /

verb (used with object)

prodded, prodding

1. to poke or jab with or as if with something pointed.

   I prodded him with my elbow.

2. to rouse or incite as if by poking; nag; goad.

   Synonyms:

   excite, prompt, stir, impel

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noun

1. the act of prodding; a poke or jab.

2. any of various pointed instruments used as a goad, especially an electrified rod that administers a mild shock.

   a cattle prod.

Prod ² American  

[prod] / prɒd /

noun

Chiefly Ulster Slang: Disparaging and Offensive.

1. a Protestant, especially an Anglo-Irish Protestant.

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prod. ³ American  

abbreviation

1. produce.

2. produced.

3. producer.

4. product.

5. production.

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prod ¹ British  

/ prɒd /

verb

1. to poke or jab with or as if with a pointed object

2. (tr) to rouse or urge to action

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noun

1. the act or an instance of prodding

2. a sharp or pointed object

3. a stimulus or reminder

prod. ² British  

abbreviation

1. produce

2. produced

3. product

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Prod ³ British  

/ prɒd /

noun

1. derogatory another word for Protestant

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Other Word Forms

• prodder noun
• unprodded adjective

Etymology

Origin of prod¹

First recorded in 1525–35; origin uncertain

Origin of Prod²

By shortening; d probably reflects the voicing or flap characteristic of some Ulster accents

Explanation

A teacher might use a verbal prod when students aren't participating in class. A prod is an encouragement, like the threat of a quiz. Just hope the teacher doesn't use the kind of prod a rancher uses to keep cattle moving! Prod can also be a verb that refers to a soft poke or a nudge, like when you prod someone in the ribs with your finger. It can also describe verbal encouragement that's used when you want something or want to know something. For example, you might prod your sister into helping you do your math homework.

Example Sentences

The Swedes believed Kennedy was repeatedly double-touching some of his stones - releasing the handle at the appropriate time but then giving the stone another little prod with his finger to correct its course.

From BBC • Feb. 16, 2026

Sweden believed one of the Canadians was repeatedly double-touching, giving the stone another little prod with his finger to correct its course during Friday's round robin match.

From Barron's • Feb. 14, 2026

That coaster originally came with a nobler purpose, which is why I keep it handy and in plain sight as a prod to my own civic conscience.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 4, 2026

The tax-refund money may prod along both 2026 GDP growth and inflation rates, he noted.

From MarketWatch • Jan. 26, 2026

The men began to prod the unforgiving earth with their spades, then reached down and lifted up the once white casket, now dirt blackened, and forced open the lid.

From "Killers of the Flower Moon" by David Grann

Related Words

• goad
• motivate
• prompt
• propel
• provoke
• remind
• spur
• stimulate