ENGLISH DICTIONARY

Needle

Definition, Meaning & Examples

Pronunciation /ˈniː.dəl/ · Part of speech noun

Quick meaning: Needle is a noun meaning Any slender, pointed object resembling a needle, such as a pointed crystal, a sharp pinnacle of rock, an obelisk, etc.

Meaning

Any slender, pointed object resembling a needle, such as a pointed crystal, a sharp pinnacle of rock, an obelisk, etc.

More Meanings

  1. A fine measurement indicator on a dial or graph.
  2. (informal) A sensor for playing phonograph records, a phonograph stylus.
  3. A needle-like leaf found on some conifers.
  4. A strong beam resting on props, used as a temporary support during building repairs.
  5. (informal, usually preceded by the) The death penalty carried out by lethal injection.
  6. (programming) A text string that is searched for within another string. (see: needle in a haystack)
  7. A long, thin, sharp implement usually for piercing as in sewing, embroidery, acupuncture, tattooing, body piercing, medical injections, sutures, etc; or a blunt but otherwise similar implement used for forming loops or knots in crafts such as darning, knitting, tatting, etc.

Example Sentences

reusable needles
a compass needle
single-use needles
The needle on the fuel gauge pointed to empty.

Word Forms

Synonyms for needle

Depending on context, synonyms include neele, goad, tease, nettle.

Related Words

Related dictionary entries include goad, nettle, needlework, pin, stocking, sheath.

Related Dictionary Tools

Sources & Attribution

FreeDictionaryAPI.com / Wiktionary · Original source · CC BY-SA 4.0

Dictionary data is provided by FreeDictionaryAPI.com and sourced from Wiktionary under its stated license.