needle

A thin, sharp metal tool, usually with a hole for thread, used to sew or make small holes.

• I need a needle and thread.
• She dropped the needle while sewing.
• These needles are too thick for this cloth.

Similar words: neele

Common phrases: sewing needle, needle and thread, thread a needle

A thin, hollow metal tube used to put medicine into the body or take blood out.

• The nurse used a clean needle.
• He is afraid of needles.
• The doctor removed the needle from her arm.

Common phrases: sterile needle, hypodermic needle, needle in something

A long, narrow, pointed leaf on a tree such as a pine.

• A pine needle fell onto my coat.
• The forest floor was covered with needles.
• This tree keeps its green needles all winter.

Common phrases: pine needle, fallen needle, needle on something

The small pointed part of a record player that touches the record and picks up sound.

• The needle needs replacing.
• She lowered the needle onto the record.
• A worn needle can damage your records.

Similar words: stylus

Common phrases: record player needle, replace the needle

To say things that annoy someone or make them feel foolish, often repeatedly.

• Stop needling me.
• His brother needled him about his haircut.
• She kept needling her opponent until he lost his temper.

How to use it: needle someone about something (They needled her about her new boyfriend.)

Similar words: tease, taunt

Common phrases: needle someone, needle someone about something

To make something form long, thin points, or to develop this shape.

• The crystals began to needle as the liquid cooled.
• The process needles the crystals into thin points.
• Under these conditions, the material needles readily.

Common phrases: needle crystals, begin to needle