needles

n. small, thin pieces of metal with a sharp point and a hole for thread, used for sewing.

n. slender, pointed implements used in sewing, typically made of polished steel and featuring an eye for thread.

“She kept a box of different sized needles in her sewing kit.”

“The tailor selected one of the finer needles to ensure the stitches remained invisible against the delicate silk fabric.”

n. the thin, sharp, green leaves found on trees like pines and firs.

n. the needle-shaped leaves characteristic of conifers, adapted to reduce water loss.

“The ground was covered in dry pine needles that crunched under our feet.”

“The forest floor was carpeted with a thick layer of decaying needles, which acidified the soil and prevented most smaller plants from growing.”

n. the very thin, sharp metal tubes used by doctors to give injections.

n. hollow, sharpened metal instruments used with syringes to inject or withdraw fluids from the body.

“Many people feel nervous when they see needles at the doctor's office.”

“The nurse carefully disposed of the used needles in a puncture-proof container to maintain strict clinical safety standards.”

v. to annoy someone by repeatedly teasing them or asking them questions.

v. to provoke, annoy, or harass someone through persistent teasing or criticism.

“He constantly needles his sister about her messy room until she gets angry.”

“The journalist needles the politician during every press conference, hoping to elicit a defensive or revealing response.”

Informal