needle
6 synonyms for needle, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A thin, sharp tool used for sewing, injections, acupuncture, or piercing.
Synonyms
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Synonyms by Meaning
1. noun
A thin, sharp tool used for sewing, injections, acupuncture, or piercing.
“The doctor said the needle would only sting for a second.”
2. verb
To tease or provoke someone persistently.
“Stop needling me about my driving and keep your eyes on the road.”
How to use needle
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
needle and thread
pins and needles
needle someone about
Etymology
From Old English nǣdl, ultimately from a Proto-Indo-European root meaning "to spin or twist" — related to modern German Nadel.
Full origin of needle →Frequently asked questions
What does “needle” mean?
The word “needle” means a thin, sharp tool used for sewing, injections, acupuncture, or piercing. In plain terms, a thin, sharp sewing or medical tool, or (as a verb) to tease someone.
How do you pronounce “needle”?
“Needle” is pronounced NEE-duhl (/ˈniː.dəl/ in IPA).
How do you use “needle” in a sentence?
Here is “needle” used in a sentence: “She threaded the needle and began stitching the hem.”
What part of speech is “needle”?
Depending on how it is used, “needle” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “needle” come from?
The word “needle” comes from Old English. From Old English nǣdl, ultimately from a Proto-Indo-European root meaning "to spin or twist" — related to modern German Nadel.
Is “needle” a common word?
“Needle” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “needle” have?
“Needle” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a thin, sharp tool used for sewing, injections, acupuncture, or piercing.
What is the difference between a needle and a pin?
A needle is a thin, sharp tool designed to pass through material, used for sewing, injections, acupuncture, or piercing, and a sewing needle carries thread through an eye. A pin is a straight fastener used to hold fabric or paper in place temporarily and does not carry thread.
Why are pine leaves called needles?
The leaves of pines and many other conifers are called needles because they are thin and sharply pointed, resembling sewing needles. Needle is the standard term for this leaf shape, as in "pine needles carpeting the forest floor."
