I. ˈnəj verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
Etymology: perhaps of Scandinavian origin; akin to Icelandic nugga to push, rub, Old Norse gnaga to gnaw — more at gnaw
transitive verb
1. : to touch or push gently (as with the elbow) usually to call attention or convey an intimation
2. : to prod lightly : urge into action
needled and nudged and worried him till finally he consented — Ellery Sedgwick
3. : to ease along : assist in maneuvering
impudent little tugboats … nudged our ship out of its slip — June W. Brown
4. : to get close to : near
its circulation is nudging the four million mark — Bennett Cerf
defense in the old protective sense is nudging the impossible — Sydney (Australia) Bulletin
intransitive verb
: to give a nudge
well-polished automobiles … nudge into a parking space — American Guide Series: New York City
the annual supply vessel should nudge through the bay ice — National Geographic
II. noun
( -s )
: a slight push, poke, or jog (as with the elbow)
he felt a sharp nudge in his side — Scott Fitzgerald
some further nudges toward integrity — R.W.McEwen
III. noun
or noodge also nudzh ˈnu̇j
( plural nudges or noodges also nudzhes )
Etymology: noodge , verb (herein)
: a tedious or excessively persistent person : nag