Needle
'niːdl
Definitions
4 meaningsA thin, pointed metal object used for sewing or injecting substances.
'niːdl
A small, slender, often steel implement used for sewing, knitting, or injecting substances.
She picked up a needle and thread to mend the torn fabric.
💡 Simply: It's like a tiny metal stick with a pointy end that you can use to sew clothes or give shots.
👶 For kids: A sharp little stick used for sewing things or giving shots.
More Examples
The nurse carefully inserted the needle into the patient's arm.
How It's Used
"She threaded the needle and began to sew the button back on."
"The doctor administered the vaccine with a hypodermic needle."
A sharp, slender pointed part of something, like the leaves of a pine tree.
'niːdl
A pointed part or structure, especially on a plant or animal.
The pine tree's needles were shedding in the autumn.
💡 Simply: It can also mean the pointy leaves on a pine tree, or a porcupine's sharp quills.
👶 For kids: Something sharp and pointy, like a pine tree's leaves.
More Examples
The porcupine's needles acted as a defense against predators.
How It's Used
"The pine tree's needles were coated with a fine layer of snow."
"The porcupine defended itself with its sharp needles."
The pointer on a measuring instrument, like a gauge.
'niːdl
The indicator on a gauge, like a compass or speedometer.
The needle of the fuel gauge showed that the car was nearly out of gas.
💡 Simply: This could also mean the pointy part on a compass or the speedometer.
👶 For kids: The pointy thing that shows you what to do, like on a clock or compass.
More Examples
The compass needle pointed directly north.
How It's Used
"The needle on the speedometer pointed to 60 mph."
"The compass needle was pointing North."
To annoy or provoke (someone) with persistent criticism or questions.
'niːdl
To provoke someone, especially with petty criticisms.
Her constant needling about his work habits was making him angry.
💡 Simply: It can mean to tease or bother someone on purpose, like a little poke.
👶 For kids: To bug or tease someone.
More Examples
The comedian spent the whole show needling the audience.
How It's Used
"Her constant needling about my weight was starting to annoy me."
"He was needling his friend about the funny story."
Idioms & expressions
look for a needle in a haystack
To search for something that is very difficult or impossible to find.
"Trying to find that document in this filing cabinet is like looking for a needle in a haystack."
the point of a needle
A very precise or specific detail.
"She focused on the point of a needle and ignored the bigger picture."
From Old English *nǣdl, from Proto-Germanic *nēþlą. Related to Dutch *naald* and German *Nadel*.
Historically, the word 'needle' has been used in similar ways, often referring to sewing implements or sharp points. Its usage has remained relatively consistent across centuries.
Memory tip
Think of the pointed end as a 'pointer' guiding thread or medicine.