nudge

"Nudge" is a wonderfully useful word with a physical sense and a figurative one. It describes a small, gentle push — either with your body or through words and actions. Here are its most common meanings.

1verbgentle push

When you nudge someone, you give them a small, soft push — usually with your elbow — to get their attention without making a big scene. It is quiet and subtle, not forceful.

everyday language · Modern, widely used

She nudged her friend with her elbow when the teacher said something funny.

He nudged me under the table to warn me to stop talking.

The child nudged his mother to ask if they could leave.

2verbfigurativeencourage gently

You can also nudge someone without touching them at all. This means you gently encourage or persuade someone to do something — not by forcing them, but by giving small hints or reminders. Think of it as steering someone in a direction without pushing hard.

everyday language, psychology, business · Modern, widely used · figurative

His teacher nudged him toward studying medicine by praising his science skills.

The advertisement was designed to nudge people into buying healthier food.

She nudged her colleague to apply for the promotion.

3verbfigurativemove slightly

When something nudges a number, a limit, or a position, it moves just a little bit closer to it — not a big jump, just a small shift. You will often see this in news or sports writing.

journalism, sports, business · Modern, widely used · figurative

The temperature nudged 40 degrees on the hottest day of the year.

The team's score nudged ahead in the final minutes of the game.

Oil prices nudged higher after the announcement.

4nouna small push or prompt

As a noun, a nudge is the act itself — either the physical little push or the gentle encouragement. If someone says 'all I needed was a nudge', they mean a small push in the right direction was enough to get them started.

everyday language · Modern, widely used

A gentle nudge from his friend was all he needed to ask for help.

She gave him a nudge with her elbow and pointed at the sign.

Sometimes people need a nudge to make a good decision.