Needle: meaning, definitions and examples

General term used to refer to thin, pointed tools used for sewing, medical injections, or other purposes. Can also indicate something that annoys or causes discomfort, especially in a metaphorical sense.

• She carefully threaded the needle before starting to sew.
• He felt a sharp needle of pain in his side.

A small, slender, often pointed piece of metal used for fastening or attaching things, such as fabric in sewing or hair in hairstyling. Also used to indicate a location marker in maps or to describe immobilizing someone.

• She used a pin to hold the fabric in place while sewing.
• He dropped a pin on the map to mark the destination.

Specifically refers to a needle used for sewing fabric. It has an eye where the thread passes through and is designed for hand or machine stitching.

• You need a sewing needle and some thread to fix that tear in your shirt.
• She carefully selected the right sewing needle for the thick fabric.

Describes something with a fine edge or point that can cut or pierce easily. Can also be used metaphorically to describe intelligence, clarity, or intensity.

• Be careful with that knife; it's very sharp.
• His sharp wit made the conversation quite enjoyable.

Interchanged term for 'syringe needle' in many instances, can sometimes mean 'hypodermic needle' but is less specific.

• She was terrified of the needle at the doctor's office
• The tattoo artist used a sterilized needle

A medical instrument typically consisting of a tube and plunger, used for injecting or withdrawing fluids. Always includes the barrel and plunger along with the needle.

• The nurse filled the syringe with medication
• He carefully drew the blood into the syringe

Typically refers to a device or tool used for injecting substances into something, not limited to medical use. Often used in mechanical or technical fields.

• The technician used an injector to add oil to the engine
• In medical settings, they might use an insulin injector for diabetes patients

Specifically refers to a medical needle used for injections or drawing fluids from the body. It is often associated with medical and clinical settings.

• The nurse prepared a hypodermic needle for the flu vaccine
• He was afraid of hypodermic needles