- needle
- I UK [ˈniːd(ə)l] / US [ˈnɪd(ə)l]
noun [countable]
Word forms "needle":
singular needle plural needles
**
1) a very thin sharp metal tube used for putting medicine or drugs into your body, or for taking blood out. It is fixed to a plastic tube called a syringeshare a needle (= use the same needle as someone else to inject drugs):hypodermic needles
People are at risk of disease when they share needles.
2)a) a small thin metal tool that is used for sewing. It has a sharp point at one end and a hole at the othera needle and thread
b) a long thin piece of plastic or metal used for knitting3) a thin piece of metal used for acupuncture4) a small thin part on a scientific instrument that moves to show measurementsa compass needle
5) a very small sharp part on a record player that touches the record and helps to produce the sounda record needle
6) a very thin sharp leaf that grows on some treespine needles
II UK [ˈniːd(ə)l] / US [ˈnɪd(ə)l] verb [transitive]
Word forms "needle":
present tense I/you/we/they needle he/she/it needles present participle needling past tense needled past participle needled informalto keep annoying someone by saying things that make them angry or embarrassedHe takes delight in needling his nearest rival.
English dictionary. 2014.