a small, slender, pointed object used for sewing or surgical suturing, a thin pointer on a measuring instrument, to provoke or annoy someone by continual criticism or questioning

a needle in a haystack, to have a needle, to thread a needle

Formal and Informal Expressions of needle

In different contexts, you can replace 'needle' with suitable alternatives. In a more formal setting, 'suture, stitcher' is apt. In informal speech or writing, 'pin, poke' is a commonplace synonym.

needle: Explore its Definition & Usage

needle Definition

1a small, slender, pointed object used for sewing or surgical suturing
2a thin pointer on a measuring instrument
3to provoke or annoy someone by continual criticism or questioning

Using needle: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "needle" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

Example
She threaded the needle and began to sew the patch onto her jeans.
Example
The needle on the scale pointed to 150 pounds.
Example
He kept needling me about my grades, even though I told him to stop.

needle Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for needle

Phrases with needle

a needle in a haystack
something that is very difficult or impossible to find
Example
Trying to find a specific book in this library is like looking for a needle in a haystack.
to have a needle
to feel an unpleasant sensation, typically in the throat or stomach
Example
After eating too much ice cream, she had a needle in her stomach.
to thread a needle
to pass a thread through the eye of a needle in preparation for sewing
Example
She struggled to thread the needle because the hole was so small.

Origins of needle

from Old English 'nǣdl', meaning 'a needle'

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Summary: needle in Brief

A 'needle' [ˈniːdl] is a small, slender, pointed object used for sewing or surgical suturing. It can also refer to a thin pointer on a measuring instrument. The verb 'to needle' means to provoke or annoy someone by continual criticism or questioning. Common phrases include 'a needle in a haystack,' referring to something difficult to find, and 'to thread a needle,' meaning to pass a thread through the eye of a needle.