Added 7 October 2026
rod
/ɹɒd/ symbol
In Latin: tālea, pertica Wiktionary
symbol Definition from Wiktionary (CC BY-SA). Pronunciation from Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org. More about rod at Wordnik → Where our words come from →
noun
-
A straight, round stick, shaft, bar, cane, or staff.
The circus strong man proved his strength by bending an iron rod, and then straightening it.
- A longitudinal pole used for forming part of a framework such as an awning or tent.
-
A long slender usually tapering pole used for angling; fishing rod.
When I hooked a snake and not a fish, I got so scared I dropped my rod in the water.
verb
Origin
From Middle English rodde, from Old English *rodd or *rodde (attested in dative plural roddum (“rod, pole”)), of uncertain origin, but probably from Proto-Germanic *rudd- (“stick, club”), from Proto-Indo-European *rewdʰ- (“to clear land”). Compare Old Norse rudda (“club”). For the root, compare English rid. Presumably unrelated to Proto-Germanic *rōdō (“rod, pole”).
From Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org (CC BY-SA)