needle

//ˈniːdl//
A2Frequency Level 9Neutral
Visual representation of needle

Noun

needleSingular
needlesPlural
1

A thin, pointed piece of metal with a hole at one end, used for sewing.

She threaded the needle and began to sew the button.

2

A thin, hollow metal tube with a sharp point, used for injecting or extracting fluids from the body.

The nurse inserted the needle into my arm to draw blood.

3

The thin, pointed leaf of a conifer tree such as a pine.

Pine needles covered the forest floor.

4

A pointer on a dial, compass, or gauge.

The needle on the compass pointed north.

Synonym

Verb

needleInfinitive
needlePresent tense
needledPast tense
needledPast participle
needlingPresent participle
needlesThird-person singular
1

To provoke or annoy someone, especially by persistent teasing or criticism.

Stop needling your brother about his haircut.