Meaning & use
needle
A thin, pointed metal instrument used for sewing, injecting medicine, or as a pointer.
See it in a sentence
She threaded the needle carefully before repairing the torn sleeve.
The nurse used a fine needle to draw a small sample of blood.
A note on using this word
As a verb, 'to needle someone' means to provoke or annoy them persistently, quite different from the noun's meaning.
Words with a similar meaning
This term is best learned through its definition and examples.
Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.
Another way to use it
2. verb
To provoke or tease someone persistently, often to irritate them.
His brother kept needling him about the missed goal.
Make it your own
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