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
Among the accessories are a revolver, compass, fishing rod, harpoon, spear and, of course, the yellow barrels (see the images below).
—
Borys Kit, The Hollywood Reporter, 4 July 2024
The bridge’s railings are made of rods from old school desks, refurbished and repainted at Mr. Arfa’s workshop.
—Erika Page, The Christian Science Monitor, 28 June 2024
Gone are the days of frying hair on the daily for a polished ‘do — this silky rod and scrunchies kit is super gentle on strands and is a great option for those looking to avoid excess heat damage, heavy product, or want to cut their glam routine time in half.
—Olivia Cigliano, WWD, 26 June 2024
Step 2: Destroy the brain Make sure the python is unconscious
Insert a small rod, like a screwdriver, spike or pick, into the cranial cavity and twist it to ensure the entire brain is destroyed.
—Jennifer Borresen, USA TODAY, 25 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for rod 
Borys Kit, The Hollywood Reporter, 4 July 2024
The bridge’s railings are made of rods from old school desks, refurbished and repainted at Mr. Arfa’s workshop.
—Erika Page, The Christian Science Monitor, 28 June 2024
Gone are the days of frying hair on the daily for a polished ‘do — this silky rod and scrunchies kit is super gentle on strands and is a great option for those looking to avoid excess heat damage, heavy product, or want to cut their glam routine time in half.
—Olivia Cigliano, WWD, 26 June 2024
Step 2: Destroy the brain Make sure the python is unconscious
Insert a small rod, like a screwdriver, spike or pick, into the cranial cavity and twist it to ensure the entire brain is destroyed.
—Jennifer Borresen, USA TODAY, 25 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for rod
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'rod.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near rod
Cite this Entry
“Rod.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rod. Accessed 7 Jul. 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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