Definition of thimble
1 : a pitted cap or cover worn on the finger to push the needle in sewing
2a : a grooved ring of thin metal used to fit in a spliced loop in a rope as protection from chafingb : 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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Recent Examples of thimble from the Web
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Other favorites: Kiss Thimble Tassel Necklaces, made from antique Victorian thimbles ($60 to $95).
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But the same can’t be said for the thimble, boot or wheelbarrow.
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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.
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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.
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Update, 2/17/2017: Well, per the world's vote to replace classic Monopoly tokens, the game's beloved thimble just got the boot.
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A thimble would have contained their humility with room left over for an elephant.
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
THIMBLE Defined for English Language Learners
thimble
playDefinition of thimble for English Language Learners
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: a small metal or plastic cap used in sewing to protect the finger that pushes the needle
THIMBLE Defined for Kids
thimble
playDefinition of thimble for Students
: a cap or cover used in sewing to protect the finger that pushes the needle
Learn More about thimble
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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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