needling
ˈniːdlɪŋ
Definition Synonyms

Definition of needling - Reverso English Dictionary

Noun

1.
behaviorpersistent teasing or provoking to annoy someone
  • His constant needling made her angry.
2.
medicalTECH.inserting thin sharp objects into skin for therapyTECH.
  • Needling is used in acupuncture to relieve pain.

Adjective

irritatingcausing irritation or annoyance in a subtle way
  • Her needling comments made him uncomfortable.
annoying irksome vexing
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Expressions with needling

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therapy using needles to relieve muscle pain
Dry needling helped reduce her back pain.

Origin of needling

English, needle (sharp tool)

Examples of needling in a sentence

  • The manager warned him that his needling of new staff was unprofessional.
  • The therapist suggested needling for myofascial trigger points in my shoulder.
  • After the consult, the dermatologist scheduled needling to improve the acne scars.
  • His needling remarks were hard to ignore.
  • The needling tone in her voice was unmistakable.

View all translations of needling

Click below to see the appropriate translations facing each meaning.
  1. French:taquinerie, agaçant, ...
  2. German:Stichelei, nervig, ...
  3. Italian:provocazione, provocatorio, ...
  4. Spanish:aguijoneo, irritante, ...
  5. Portuguese:picardia, provocador, ...
  6. Chinese:不停的挖苦, 挖苦的, ...
  7. Japanese:いやがらせ, 嫌味な, ...
  8. Arabic:مُضايَقَة مُسْتَمِرَّة, مستفِزّ, ...
  9. Hebrew:הַקְנָטָה, עוֹקְצָנִי, ...
  10. Russian:поддразнивание, язвительный, ...
  11. Ukrainian:піддражнювання, дратівливий, ...
  12. Hindi:लगातार चिढ़ाना, चुभता, ...
needle
ˈniːdəl
needle: thin, pointed metal tool used for sewing
Images

Definition of needle - Reverso English Dictionary

Noun

1.
toolsthin, pointed metal tool used for sewing
  • She threaded the needle with ease..
2.
conifer leafleaf of a coniferous tree
  • The ground was covered with dry pine needles..
foliage leaf pine needle
3.
instrumentindicator on a gauge or dial
  • The needle on the fuel gauge pointed to empty..
indicator pointer

Verb

tr.
1.
piercingpierce skin or fabric using a thin pointed implement
  • She needled the fabric with precision.
pierce prick
2.
teasingtease or provoke someone persistently
  • He needled his friend about the mistake.
provoke taunt
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Images of needle

  • needle: thin, pointed metal tool used for sewing
    thin, pointed metal tool used for sewing
  • needle: leaf of a coniferous tree
    leaf of a coniferous tree
  • needle: indicator on a gauge or dial
    indicator on a gauge or dial
  • needle: small pointed device for playing records
    small pointed device for playing records
  • needle: thin hollow metal rod for medical injections
    thin hollow metal rod for medical injections
  • needle: temporary support beam in construction
    temporary support beam in construction

Expressions with needle

💡 Discover popular phrases, idioms, collocations, or phrasal verbs. Click any expression to learn more, listen to its pronunciation, or save it to your favorites.
small hole in a needle for thread
She struggled to thread the needle's eye.
person who drives major improvements
She is a needle mover in the tech industry.
pass a thread through a needle's eye
She learned to thread the needle in her sewing class.
something extremely hard to find or an impossible search
Finding my keys here is like a needle in a haystack.
become annoyed or angry
He tends to get the needle when things don't go his way.
cause a noticeable effect or change in a situation
Her speech really moved the needle on public opinion.

Origin of needle

Old English, nædl (needle)

Examples of needle in a sentence

  • The needle was too small for the thick thread.
  • The needle fell softly from the pine tree.
  • Each needle glistened with morning dew.
  • The needle on the speedometer was stuck.
  • The needle barely moved despite the engine running.
  • He carefully placed the needle on the vinyl.

View all translations of needle

Click below to see the appropriate translations facing each meaning.
  1. French:aiguille, piquer, ...
  2. German:Nadel, stechen, ...
  3. Italian:ago, pungere, ...
  4. Spanish:alfiler, perforar, ...
  5. Portuguese:agulha, perfurar, ...
  6. Chinese:针, 用针刺, ...
  7. Japanese:針, 刺す, ...
  8. Arabic:إِبْرَة, وَخَزَ, ...
  9. Hebrew:מַחַט, לִדְקוֹר בְּמַחַט, ...
  10. Russian:игла, прокалывать, ...
  11. Ukrainian:голка, проколювати, ...
  12. Hindi:सुई, छेदना, ...
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