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

The osteological report also noted a thimble found near the bones. —Caitlin Looby, jsonline.com, 3 July 2025

Much hay was made in the aftermath of the assassination attempt, especially for a state where guns are sold, more or less, with thimbles of bourbon. —Jonathon Sturgeon, Harpers Magazine, 29 Apr. 2025

Rabbi Anne wears a keepsake from her grandfather — a metal thimble that dangles from a silver chain around her neck. —Hollace Ava Weiner, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 Apr. 2025

Wash it all down with a good bottle of Burgundy from the restaurant’s impressive cellar, maybe a cheeky thimble of eau de vie with dessert, and you’d be hardpressed to find a better way to spend an afternoon in London. —Amiel Stanek, Bon Appetit Magazine, 4 Apr. 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