needle

/ˈnidəl/
noun
  1. A thin, pointed piece of metal with a hole at one end, used for sewing.
    • The tailor used a sharp needle to stitch the hem of the dress.
    • She threaded the needle carefully to sew the button back on.
    • I keep a needle and thread in my travel kit for emergencies.
  2. A thin, hollow tube attached to a syringe, used for injecting medicine or drawing blood.
    • The nurse gently inserted the needle into the patient's arm.
    • He received a flu vaccine through a small needle at the clinic.
    • Some people are afraid of needles and feel dizzy during shots.
  3. A thin, pointed object used in knitting or crocheting.
    • She clicked her knitting needles together as she worked on the scarf.
    • The pattern called for size 8 needles and soft wool yarn.
    • He bought a set of bamboo needles for his first knitting project.
  4. A thin, pointed piece of metal or plastic that moves on a dial or gauge to show a measurement.
    • The fuel gauge needle was hovering near empty, so we stopped for gas.
    • The needle on the speedometer pointed to 65 miles per hour.
    • The compass needle always points toward magnetic north.
  5. A thin, pointed leaf of a conifer tree, such as a pine or fir.
    • Each needle on the spruce tree is sharp and evergreen.
    • The forest floor was covered with dry pine needles.
    • We collected fallen needles to use as mulch in the garden.
  6. A thin, pointed stylus that reads the grooves of a vinyl record.
    • Dust on the needle can cause crackling sounds during playback.
    • The old turntable's needle was worn and needed replacing.
    • He carefully placed the needle on the record to hear the first song.
verb
  1. To annoy or provoke someone by making critical or teasing remarks.
    • She felt her friend was needling her on purpose to get a reaction.
    • The reporter tried to needle the politician with tough questions.
    • My brother likes to needle me about my messy room.
  2. To pierce or penetrate with a needle or similar sharp object.
    • Be careful not to needle your finger while sewing.
    • He needled the fabric with a fine thread to repair the tear.
    • The doctor needled the blister to drain the fluid.