Word: Needle

Pronunciation

/ˈniːdl/

Definitions

• Noun: A long, slender, and sharp-pointed instrument, usually made of metal, used for sewing by hand or machine, for piercing small holes, or for drawing thread or yarn through fabric or other material. Example: “She threaded the needle and began to sew the hem.”
  • Metaphorical Usage: It can also refer to something that is thin and pointed like a sewing needle, e.g., “The compass needle points north.”
• Verb: To guide or push something (like thread) through a small hole using a needle. Example: “She carefully needled the delicate fabric.”
  • Figurative Usage: It can mean to irritate or annoy someone persistently, e.g., “His constant criticism really needles me.”

Phrases

• “A needle in a haystack”: An idiom referring to something that is extremely difficult to find among many other things. Example: “Finding the right document in this disorganized archive is like finding a needle in a haystack.”
• “To thread a needle”: This means to pass something, often with great care or precision, through a narrow space or opening. Example: “The quarterback threaded the needle with a perfect pass between two defenders.”

Example Sentences

• Noun: “The tailor picked up the needle and began mending the torn seam.”
• Verb: “She carefully needlepointed a beautiful design on the pillowcase.”
• Figurative Usage: “His sarcasm was like a needle, piercing through her confidence.”

Synonyms

• Pin (in some contexts)
• Syringe (for medical needles)
• Awl (for piercing holes)
• Stitcher (in the context of sewing)
• Pricker (for a simple, non-sewing needle)

In the figurative sense:

• Irritate
• Annoy
• Harass
• Torment
• Provoke