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
ADVERTISEMENT
Illustration of NEEDLE
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
NEEDLING 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
Learn More About NEEDLE
Browse
Next Word in the Dictionary: needle and threadPrevious Word in the Dictionary: needful All Words Near: needle
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up needle? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).