Dictionary
1needle
noun nee·dle \ˈnē-dəl\
: a small, very thin object that is used in sewing and that has a sharp point at one end and a hole for thread
: one of the two long, thin sticks that are used in knitting and that are pointed at one end
: a very thin, pointed steel tube that is pushed through the skin so that something (such as a drug) can be put into your body or so that blood or other fluids can be taken from it
Full Definition of NEEDLE
1
a : a small slender usually steel instrument that has an eye for thread or surgical sutures at one end and that is used for sewing b : any of various devices for carrying thread and making stitches (as in crocheting or knitting) c (1) : a slender hollow instrument for introducing material into or removing material from the body (as by insertion under the skin) (2) : any of various slender hollow devices used to introduce matter (as air) into or remove it from an object (as a ball)
2
a : a slender bar of magnetized steel that when allowed to turn freely (as in a compass) indicates the direction of a magnetic field (as of the earth) b : a slender usually sharp-pointed indicator on a dial
3
a : a slender pointed object resembling a needle: as (1) : a pointed crystal (2) : a sharp rock (3) : obelisk b : a needle-shaped leaf (as of a conifer) c : a slender rod (as of jewel or steel) with a rounded tip used in a phonograph to transmit vibrations from a record : stylus d : a slender pointed rod controlling a fine inlet or outlet (as in a valve)
4
: a teasing or gibing remark
— nee·dle·like \ˈnē-dəl-ˌ(l)īk\ adjective
See needle defined for English-language learners
See needle defined for kids
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Origin of NEEDLE
Middle English nedle, from Old English nǣdl; akin to Old High German nādala needle, nājan to sew, Latin nēre to spin, Greek nēn
First Known Use: before 12th century
Related to NEEDLE
- Synonyms
- hype [slang], hypodermic, hypodermic needle, hypodermic syringe, syringe
2needle
verb
: to criticize and laugh at (someone) in either a friendly or an unkind way
nee·dlednee·dling \ˈnēd-liŋ, ˈnē-dəl-iŋ\
Full Definition of NEEDLE
transitive verb
1
: to sew or pierce with or as if with a needle
intransitive verb
See needle defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of NEEDLE
circa 1715
Rhymes with NEEDLE
NEEDLELIKE Defined for Kids
1needle
noun nee·dle \ˈnē-dəl\
Definition of NEEDLE for Kids
1
: a small slender pointed usually steel tool used for sewing
2
: a slender pointed piece of metal or plastic (used for knitting)
3
: a leaf (as of a pine) shaped like a needle
4
: a pointer on a dial <The needle on her gas gauge read “empty.”>
5
: a slender hollow instrument that has a sharp point and by which material is put into or taken from the body through the skin
— nee·dle·like \ˈnē-dəl-ˌlīk\ adjective
Headscratcher for NEEDLE
Do you need needles? If you add another “s” to needles, you'll find that needles are needless.
2needle
verb
nee·dlednee·dling
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