Thimble

Quick meaning: Thimble is a noun meaning As much as fills a thimble (sense 1); a thimbleful.

Meaning

As much as fills a thimble (sense 1); a thimbleful.

More Meanings

1. (also attributively) An object which resembles a thimble (sense 1) in shape or size.
2. (nautical) A metal ring which a cable or rope intended for attaching to other things is looped around as a protection against chafing.
3. (technology) A ring- or tube-shaped component such as a ferrule.
4. (intransitive) To use a thimble (noun sense 1).
5. (intransitive, by extension) To sew.
6. (sewing) A pitted, now usually metal, cup-shaped cap worn on the tip of a finger, which is used in sewing to push the needle through material.

Example Sentences

She had worn a hole through her silver thimble, and wanted Owen to repair it.

The rope part is fitted with a thimble in one end, which is connected to the chain by means of a shackle; the other extremity is spliced around a heart, and goes with a laniard, as in the case of bobstays. The splice of the thimble and the heart should be served.

To relieve the stern in a measure from the great weight of the [diving-]bell, a short, strong mast was stepped in the usual place, and steeving forward; from its head to the head of the davit was a span, which set up with two thimbles [footnote: A sort of iron ring.] and a lanyard, and the whole was supported by a strong stay from the mast-head to the stern of the boat, and two shrouds on a side, leading forward.

Word Forms

• thimbles
• thimbling
• thimbled

Synonyms for thimble

Depending on context, synonyms include thimbleful.

Related Words

Related dictionary entries include thimbleful, carton, casing, canister, cartridge, ink.

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