Rod
/rɒd/
Definitions
3 meaningsA straight, typically thin and cylindrical object, often made of wood, metal, or plastic.
/rɒd/
A straight, slender stick or bar of wood, metal, or other material.
The carpenter used a metal rod to reinforce the beam.
💡 Simply: Imagine a long, skinny stick! It could be a fishing rod, a metal bar used to build things, or even the stick you use to stir a drink. It's simply something long and straight.
👶 For kids: A stick or pole that's long and skinny.
More Examples
She carefully placed the fishing rod beside the lake.
The curtain rod held the drapes in place.
How It's Used
"The steel rods reinforced the concrete foundation."
"He cast his fishing rod into the lake."
"A surveyor used a rod to measure the length of the field."
A unit of linear measurement, specifically 16.5 feet or 5.0292 meters.
/rɒd/
A unit of length, equal to 16 1/2 feet.
The old property deed mentioned the boundaries in rods.
💡 Simply: It's like saying 'a mile' or 'a yard,' but instead you're saying 'a rod.' It's how people used to measure things, kind of old school.
👶 For kids: A special way to measure how long something is!
More Examples
The fence was built 10 rods from the river.
How It's Used
"The field measured 20 rods in length."
"The house was set back 5 rods from the road."
A punishment or means of control, often involving a physical blow or a display of authority.
/rɒd/
A punishment involving a strike or blow.
The teacher used the rod of discipline to keep the class in order (figurative).
💡 Simply: If you think of 'the rod' as a way of showing who's in charge. It's about being strict or getting in trouble.
👶 For kids: It can mean a way to punish you.
More Examples
The government ruled the country with a rod of iron (figurative).
How It's Used
"The king ruled with an iron rod."
"He felt the rod of guilt after the mistake."
Synonyms
Bar
Pole
Perch
Authority
Control
Discipline
Punishment
Idioms & expressions
rule with a rod of iron
To govern or control with strictness and harshness.
"The dictator ruled his country with a rod of iron, suppressing any opposition."
spare the rod and spoil the child
If you do not discipline a child (using a rod, or punishment), the child will become spoiled.
"Some parents believe that if you spare the rod and spoil the child, they will grow up undisciplined."
From Middle English rodde, rod, from Old English rodd, rod (a unit of measurement, a pole), related to Old Norse rǫð (row, line).
The word 'rod' has been used since Old English times, originally to refer to a unit of length or a staff.
Memory tip
Think of a fishing rod or a metal bar – it’s long and straight like a 'rod'.