needle

¹nee·dle

noun \ˈnē-d^əl\

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 dialect

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-d^əl-ˌ(l)īk\ adjective

Examples of NEEDLE

1. I need a needle and thread to sew the button on your shirt.
2. The needle on the scale points to 9 grams.
3. The compass needle points north.

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

Related Words: dial, face, gauge (also gage)

see all synonyms and antonyms

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Other Handicraft Terms

biscuit, darn, tambour, wrought

Rhymes with NEEDLE

aedile, beadle, creedal, daedal, wheedle