Needle

/ˈniː.dl/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A slender, pointed implement made of metal, used for sewing or knitting.

She threaded the needle to sew a button onto her shirt.

A sharp, slender object used for injecting or withdrawing fluids in medical procedures.

The doctor took a needle to give the patient a vaccination.

A long, thin, sharp part of a pine tree.

The ground was covered with fallen pine needles after the storm.

verb

To sew or pierce with a needle.

She needed to needle the fabric together for her quilt.

To provoke or annoy someone.

He tried to needle his opponent into making a mistake during the debate.

Middle English 'nedel', from Old English 'nǣdl', of Germanic origin.

needle in a haystack

Something that is very difficult to find.

to needle someone

To irritate or provoke someone.

to thread the needle

To navigate a difficult situation carefully.

syringe

A device used to inject fluids into or withdraw fluids from the body.

sewing

The act of using a needle and thread to join fabrics.

A small slender object, often used to fasten things together.

To inject drugs using a needle.

He's been needling for years.

To tease or annoy someone persistently.

Stop needling me about my choice of clothes.