thimble

noun

thim·​ble ˈthim-bəl 

1

: a pitted cap or cover worn on the finger to push the needle in sewing

2

a

: a grooved ring of thin metal used to fit in a spliced loop in a rope as protection from chafing

b

: a lining (as of metal) for an opening (as in a roof or wall) through which a stovepipe or chimney passes

Examples of thimble in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Given how much the lo-fi radio landscape owes to spacious chiller odysseys like Los Angeles and Until the Quiet Comes, what’s really set Flying Lotus apart at his best has been his ability to cram the entire universe into a thimble. —Sam Goldner, Pitchfork, 9 Mar. 2026

The iconic board game gets a fashion twist, featuring custom cards and tokens inspired by the brand’s history, including the spool and the thimble. —Mecca Pryor, Essence, 13 Jan. 2026

But a witch with witches’ thimbles was no good. —Literary Hub, 6 Jan. 2026

This included thimbles as the tips of his fingers and a tray as a breast plate. —Caitlin Huston, HollywoodReporter, 24 Nov. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English thymel, thymbyl, from Old English thȳmel covering for the thumb, from thūma thumb

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for thimble

• cymbal
• gimbal
• nimble
• symbol

Kids Definition

thimble

noun

thim·​ble ˈthim-bəl 

: a cap or cover used in sewing to protect the finger that pushes the needle