pins and needles

plural noun

: a pricking tingling sensation in a limb growing numb or recovering from numbness
Phrases
on pins and needles
: in a nervous or jumpy state of anticipation

Examples of pins and needles in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
All the right eyes are on you, waiting on pins and needles for your next move! Meghan Rose, Glamour, 1 Oct. 2025 For the almost two years since, fans have been on pins and needles to hear how Shires would use her next album to express what her life has been like. Chris Willman, Variety, 28 Sep. 2025 Who kept you on pins and needles like him? Josh Yohe, New York Times, 28 Sep. 2025 As the trade deadline approaches, Major League Baseball fans are on pins and needles waiting to see in there's an unexpected blockbuster. Jackson Roberts, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for pins and needles

Word History

First Known Use

1813, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of pins and needles was in 1813

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Pins and needles.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pins%20and%20needles. Accessed 4 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

pins and needles

plural noun
: a pricking tingling feeling in an arm or leg that is recovering from numbness

Medical Definition

pins and needles

noun plural
: a pricking tingling sensation in a limb growing numb or recovering from numbness
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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