1
a(1)
: a straight slender stick growing on or cut from a tree or bush
(2)
: osier
(3)
: a stick or bundle of twigs used to punish
also
: punishment
(4)
: a shepherd's cudgel
(5)
: a pole with a line and usually a reel attached for fishing
b(1)
: a slender bar (as of wood or metal)
(2)
: a bar or staff for measuring
(3)
: scepter
also
: a wand or staff carried as a badge of office (as of marshal)
2
a
: a unit of length see Weights and Measures Table
b
: a square rod
3
: any of the long rod-shaped photosensitive receptors in the retina responsive to faint light compare cone sense 3a
4
: a rod-shaped bacterium
5
slang
: handgun
Synonyms
Examples of rod in a Sentence
arrested for using a rod on his dogs in violation of the state's animal cruelty laws
Recent Examples on the Web
The ongoing mechanical assembly included a heavy-duty track rod, drag link, Panhard bar, and a Terrafirma steering damper (keeping the underbody blemish-free are thick aluminum skid plates).
—
Michael Harley, Forbes, 20 Nov. 2024
The show has more than 190 exhibitors — including 30 new ones this year — showing fish houses and equipment such as augers, underwater cameras, shelter lights, float suits, heaters, digital fish finders as well as rods and reels, tackle and plastic bait among other things.
—Pioneer Press, Twin Cities, 13 Nov. 2024
The former New England Patriots head coach also held a fishing rod.
—Charmaine Patterson, People.com, 1 Nov. 2024
This includes using caulk, insulation foam or backer rods to close any gaps in your foundation, windows or door frames.
—Maia Pandey, Journal Sentinel, 28 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for rod 
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Michael Harley, Forbes, 20 Nov. 2024
The show has more than 190 exhibitors — including 30 new ones this year — showing fish houses and equipment such as augers, underwater cameras, shelter lights, float suits, heaters, digital fish finders as well as rods and reels, tackle and plastic bait among other things.
—Pioneer Press, Twin Cities, 13 Nov. 2024
The former New England Patriots head coach also held a fishing rod.
—Charmaine Patterson, People.com, 1 Nov. 2024
This includes using caulk, insulation foam or backer rods to close any gaps in your foundation, windows or door frames.
—Maia Pandey, Journal Sentinel, 28 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for rod
Dictionary Entries Near rod
Cite this Entry
“Rod.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rod. Accessed 26 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
rod
noun1
a
: a straight slender stick or bar
b
: a stick or bundle of twigs used in whipping a person
c
: a pole with a line and usually a reel attached for fishing
2
a
: a unit of length see measure
b
: a square rod
3
: any of the cells in the retina that are shaped like rods and respond to dim light
4
slang
: handgun
Medical Definition
rod
noun1
: a straight slender pole or bar
2
: any of the long rod-shaped photosensitive receptors in the retina responsive to faint light compare cone sense 2a
3
: a bacterium shaped like a rod
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