niggles; niggled; niggling
1
: to worry or annoy (someone)
She had been niggled by worry her entire life.
It really niggles [=bothers, bugs] me that she didn't call.
—often + atOne question continued to niggle [=nag] at him.
2
: to argue or make criticisms about something that is not important
He's always niggling over small details.
plural niggles
chiefly British
1
: a slight feeling of something (such as doubt)
a niggle of doubt
2
: a slight pain
I've had a knee niggle for the past few days.
He has a bit of a niggle in his back.
3
: a small criticism or complaint
I have a few minor niggles about the performance.
Cite this Entry
“Niggle.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/niggle. Accessed 19 Jun. 2026.
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