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

Deep as a thimble but eminently enjoyable, The Sting is the kind of old-school Hollywood entertainment powered by movie-star charm and putting-on-a-show pizzazz. —Will Leitch, Vulture, 15 Nov. 2025

The needles, thread and thimbles come in handy for burgeoning designers to add their own personal touch and create a bag that is truly one of a kind, according to Fendi’s official product description on the brand’s website. —Julia Teti, Footwear News, 3 Nov. 2025

The artifacts included thimbles, a needle remnant and buttons — in addition to animal bones that showed signs of butchering. —Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 6 Sep. 2025

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