B1noun2K

Needle

UK /["/ˈniːdl/"]/US /["/ˈniːdl/"]/

Definition

a small thin piece of steel that you use for sewing, with a point at one end and a hole for the thread at the other

In simple words: A small, sharp tool used for sewing or injecting.

Examples

  • The doctor used a needle to take a blood sample.
  • Be careful not to drop the needle when you're sewing.
  • He carefully threaded the needle before starting to stitch the fabric.
  • The needle on the compass points north.
  • In the middle of the storm, the needle of the barometer dropped significantly.
  • The needle of the record player moved smoothly across the vinyl.
  • She used a needle to fix her broken necklace.

Usage notes

Used in everyday contexts, especially related to sewing or medical procedures. Not typically used in formal writing; more common in casual conversation.

Grammar pattern

standalone noun

Memory hint

Think of a 'neddle' on a sewing thread — it's sharp and gets the job done!

Collocations

  • long
  • blunt
  • sharp
  • use
  • thread
  • prick somebody/​something
  • the eye of a needle
  • needle and thread
  • a needle in a haystack
  • long
  • blunt
  • sharp
  • use
  • thread
  • prick somebody/​something
  • the eye of a needle
  • needle and thread
  • a needle in a haystack
  • hypodermic
  • syringe
  • injection
  • inject
  • insert
  • jab (somebody with)
  • go in
  • pierce something
  • tip
  • exchange
  • biopsy
  • the prick of a needle
  • magnetic
  • compass
  • move
  • point
  • the needle of a compass
  • conifer
  • pine
  • drop
  • lose

Synonyms

  • pin
  • shank
  • syringe
  • aw
  • stitcher

Antonyms

  • blunt

Common mistakes

  • Confusing 'needle' with 'niddle', a common misspelling.
  • Using 'needles' incorrectly as a verb.
  • Mispronouncing it as 'nedle' instead of 'needle'.