needle

Fetched 2026-10-26 (cache).

Synonyms: needly, neede, beedle, neele, weedle

Antonyms: needly, neede, beedle, neele, weedle

Related words from Datamuse; suggestions, not definitions.

Noun

1. A [[long]], [[thin]], sharp [[implement]] usually for [[pierce|piercing]] as in [[sew]]ing, [[embroidery]], [[acupuncture]], [[tattoo]]ing, [[body]] [[piercing]], [[medical]] [[injection]]s, [[suture]]s, etc; or a blunt but otherwise similar implement used for forming [[loop]]s or [[knot]]s in crafts such as [[darning]], [[knit]]ting, [[tatting]], etc.
2. Any slender, pointed object resembling a needle, such as a [[pointed]] [[crystal]], a sharp [[pinnacle]] of [[rock]], an [[obelisk]], etc.
3. A fine [[measurement]] [[indicator]] on a [[dial]] or [[graph]].
4. {{lb|en|informal}} A [[sensor]] for playing [[phonograph]] [[record]]s, a phonograph [[stylus]].
5. A needle-like leaf found on some [[conifers]].
6. A strong beam resting on props, used as a [[temporary]] [[support]] during building repairs.
7. {{lb|en|informal|usually preceded by {{m|en|the}}}} The [[death penalty]] carried out by [[lethal injection]].
8. {{lb|en|programming}} A [[text]] [[string]] that is [[search]]ed for within another string. (see: [[needle in a haystack]])
9. {{lb|en|entomology}} Any of various species of [[damselfly]] of the genus {{taxlink|Synlestes|genus}}, [[endemic]] to Australia.
10. {{lb|en|gymnastics}} A move in which the performer begins with two hands and one leg on the floor, then kicks the other leg into a full split.

Verb

1. To [[pierce]] with a needle, especially for [[sewing]] or [[acupuncture]].
2. {{lb|en|transitive}} To [[tease]] in order to [[provoke]]; to [[poke fun]] at.
3. {{lb|en|ambitransitive}} To form, or be formed, in the shape of a needle.

Proper noun

1. {{surname|en}}.

Source: Wiktionary · CC BY-SA 4.0 (Wiktionary dump) · cached copy, not a rewrite.