niggling

adjective

nig·​gling ˈni-g(ə-)liŋ How to pronounce niggling (audio)
: petty
also : bothersome or persistent especially in a petty or tiresome way
niggling injuries
niggling noun
nigglingly adverb

Examples of niggling in a Sentence

only niggling differences between the original Broadway musical and the film version that followed
Recent Examples on the Web And yet, a niggling sense of loss remains after the season 5 finale; many of Diana’s most important moments and relationships are relegated to a handful of scenes. Lauren Puckett-Pope, ELLE, 10 Nov. 2022

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'niggling.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1599, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of niggling was in 1599

Dictionary Entries Near niggling

Cite this Entry

“Niggling.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/niggling. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

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