- needle
- nee|dle1 [ `nidl ] noun count **▸ 1 for medicine/drugs▸ 2 for sewing/knitting etc.▸ 3 on scientific instrument▸ 4 very thin sharp leaf▸ 5 on record player1. ) a very thin sharp metal tube used for putting medicine or drugs into your body, or for taking blood out. It is attached to a plastic tube called a syringe:hypodermic needlesshare a needle (=use the same needle as someone else to inject drugs): People are at risk of disease when they share needles.2. ) a small thin metal tool that is used for sewing:a needle and threada ) a long thin piece of plastic or metal used for KNITTING: KNITTING NEEDLEb ) a thin piece of metal used for ACUPUNCTURE3. ) a small thin part on a scientific instrument that moves to show measurements:a compass needle4. ) a very thin sharp leaf that grows on some trees:pine needles5. ) a very small sharp part on a RECORD PLAYER that touches the record and helps to produce the sound: STYLUS:a record needleneedlenee|dle 2 [ `nidl ] verb transitive INFORMALto keep annoying someone by saying things that make them angry or embarrassed:He takes delight in needling his nearest rival.
Usage of the words and phrases in modern English. 2013.