First Known Use: circa 1616
Dictionary
1niggle
verb nig·gle \ˈni-gəl\
: to worry or annoy (someone)
: to argue or make criticisms about something that is not important
nig·glednig·gling \-g(ə-)liŋ\
Full Definition of NIGGLE
intransitive verb
1
a : trifle b : to spend too much effort on minor details
2
: to find fault constantly in a petty way : carp <she haggles, she niggles, she wears out our patience — Virginia Woolf>
3
: gnaw
transitive verb
: to give stingily or in tiny portions
— nig·gler \-g(ə-)lər\ noun
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Origin of NIGGLE
origin unknown
2niggle
noun
: a slight feeling of something (such as doubt)
: a slight pain
: a small criticism or complaint
Full Definition of NIGGLE
chiefly British : a trifling doubt, objection, or complaint
See niggle defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of NIGGLE
1886
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