1 C1 neutral
To silently gesture with a nod of the head for someone to enter or proceed.
"The security guard recognised her and nodded her in without checking her ID."
separable
nod in
C1 neutral separable transitive
To gesture with a nod for someone to enter a room or pass through.
In plain English
To use a nod of your head to tell someone they can come in or go ahead.
What does "nod in" mean?
One main meaning — here's how to use it.
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To nod one's head inward or toward the entrance — fully transparent.
Actually means
To use a nod of your head to tell someone they can come in or go ahead.
Usage tip
Relatively uncommon as a fixed phrasal verb. More often described in narrative prose. The nod replaces spoken permission. Sometimes used in journalism or fiction to describe security staff or officials allowing someone through.
Words that pair with "nod in"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
security guard bouncer doorman
How to conjugate "nod in"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
nod in
I/you/we/they
3rd person
nods in
he/she/it
Past simple
noded in
yesterday
Past participle
noded in
have + pp
-ing form
noding in
continuous
Hear "nod in" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "nod in" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Other ways to say "nod in"
Swap in when you want variety — tap a linked one to explore it.
Keep exploring
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