thimble

noun thim·ble \ ˈthim-bəl \

Definition of thimble

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

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Other favorites: Kiss Thimble Tassel Necklaces, made from antique Victorian thimbles ($60 to $95).

— linda jerkins, ajc, "Just for her for Mother’s Day," 1 May 2017
But the same can’t be said for the thimble, boot or wheelbarrow.

— paul ziobro, WSJ, "Monopoly Booted the Thimble; Fans Are Sew Mad," 18 Mar. 2017
ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. — The boot has been booted, the wheelbarrow has been wheeled out, and the thimble got the thumbs down in the latest version of the board game Monopoly.

— wayne parry, Twin Cities, "Boot, wheelbarrow, thimble ousted from Monopoly. Here’s what will replace them.," 17 Mar. 2017
The boot got the boot, the wheelbarrow got wheeled out, and the thimble is no more.

— tony hicks, The Mercury News, "Monopoly gets new pieces, including a carnivorous lizard," 17 Mar. 2017
Even a tiny amount of VX, less than would fill a thimble, can kill.

— jonathan cheng, WSJ, "VX Nerve Agent Found in Kim Jong Nam Death Is Among World’s Most Deadly," 24 Feb. 2017
Between January 10 and January 31, four million votes were cast on the eight original and 56 new tokens — surprisingly, the thimble, which has been around since 1935, received the lowest count.

— cory stieg, Good Housekeeping, "Monopoly Just Got Rid of the Thimble and Now None of the Original Tokens Are Safe," 17 Feb. 2017
Update, 2/17/2017: Well, per the world's vote to replace classic Monopoly tokens, the game's beloved thimble just got the boot.

— cory stieg, Good Housekeeping, "Monopoly Just Got Rid of the Thimble and Now None of the Original Tokens Are Safe," 17 Feb. 2017
A thimble would have contained their humility with room left over for an elephant.

— richard sandomir, New York Times, "Muhammad Ali and Howard Cosell: Foils and Friends Bound by Mutual Respect," 4 June 2016

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'thimble.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of thimble

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

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First Known Use: 15th century

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THIMBLE Defined for English Language Learners

thimble

noun

Definition of thimble for English Language Learners

: a small metal or plastic cap used in sewing to protect the finger that pushes the needle

THIMBLE Defined for Kids

thimble

noun thim·ble \ ˈthim-bəl \

Definition of thimble for Students

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

Learn More about thimble

See words that rhyme with thimble Spanish Central: Translation of thimble Nglish: Translation of thimble for Spanish speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about thimble

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