needle
1nee·dle
noun \ˈnē-dəl\Definition of NEEDLE
1
a : a small slender usually steel instrument that has an eye for thread or surgical sutures at one end and that is used for sewing b : any of various devices for carrying thread and making stitches (as in crocheting or knitting) c (1) : a slender hollow instrument for introducing material into or removing material from the body (as by insertion under the skin) (2) : any of various slender hollow devices used to introduce matter (as air) into or remove it from an object (as a ball)
2
a : a slender bar of magnetized steel that when allowed to turn freely (as in a compass) indicates the direction of a magnetic field (as of the earth) b : a slender usually sharp-pointed indicator on a dialect
3
a : a slender pointed object resembling a needle: as (1) : a pointed crystal (2) : a sharp rock (3) : obelisk b : a needle-shaped leaf (as of a conifer) c : a slender rod (as of jewel or steel) with a rounded tip used in a phonograph to transmit vibrations from a record : stylus d : a slender pointed rod controlling a fine inlet or outlet (as in a valve)
4
: a teasing or gibing remark
— nee·dle·like \ˈnē-dəl-ˌ(l)īk\ adjective
See Examples of NEEDLE
- I need a needle and thread to sew the button on your shirt.
- The needle on the scale points to 9 grams.
- The compass needle points north.
Illustration of NEEDLE
Origin of NEEDLE
Middle English nedle, from Old English nǣdl; akin to Old High German nādala needle, nājan to sew, Latin nēre to spin, Greek nēn
First Known Use: before 12th century
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