nudge

Syllabification: (nudge)

Pronunciation: /nəj/

Definition of nudge

[with object]

prod (someone) gently, typically with one’s elbow, in order to draw their attention to something:people were nudging each other and pointing at me
touch or push (something) gently or gradually:the canoe nudged a bank of reeds
coax or gently encourage (someone) to do something:we have to nudge the politicians in the right direction
approach (an age, figure, or level) very closely:both men were nudging fifty

a light touch or push:he gave her shoulder a nudge figurativeshe appreciated the nudge to her memory

Phrases

nudge nudge (wink wink): used to draw attention to a sexual innuendo in the previous statement:haven’t seen much of the beach—we’ve been catching up on our sleep (nudge nudge)
[a catch phrase from Monty Python's Flying Circus, a British television comedy program]

late 17th century (as a verb): of unknown origin; compare with Norwegian dialect nugga, nyggja 'to push, rub'

Definition of nudge in the British & World English dictionary