Needling: meaning, definitions and examples

🧵
Add to dictionary

needling

 

[ ˈniːd.lɪŋ ]

Noun / Verb
Context #1 | Noun

medical procedure

Needling is a medical procedure that involves the insertion of needles into the skin or underlying tissues. It is often used in acupuncture and other therapeutic practices to alleviate pain or promote healing. The practice can also refer to the technique of intradermal needling for skin rejuvenation. Additionally, needling may be utilized in physical therapy to treat muscle tightness and trigger points.

Synonyms

acupuncture, injection, puncture

Examples of usage

  • Acupuncture has been shown to be effective after needling.
  • The dermatologist recommended needling for acne scars.
  • Needling techniques can yield surprising results in therapy.
  • I felt relief after the needling session.
Context #2 | Verb

to tease lightly

To needle someone means to tease or provoke them in a playful or irritating manner. This usage often implies that the teasing is light-hearted and not meant to cause serious offense. The act of needling can be a part of friendly banter among friends or colleagues. However, it can also be used in a more negative context if taken too far.

Synonyms

provoke, taunt, tease

Examples of usage

  • He liked needling his friends about their fashion choices.
  • She was needling him just to get a reaction.
  • Needling can sometimes lead to misunderstandings.
  • They spent the evening needling each other in good fun.

Translations

Translations of the word "needling" in other languages:

🇵🇹 agulhamento

🇮🇳 सुई के माध्यम से

🇩🇪 Nadeln

🇮🇩 penyuntikan

🇺🇦 голка

🇵🇱 igłowanie

🇯🇵 針刺し

🇫🇷 aiguille

🇪🇸 agulamiento

🇹🇷 iğneleme

🇰🇷 바늘질

🇸🇦 إبرة

🇨🇿 jehlení

🇸🇰 ihličkovanie

🇨🇳 针刺

🇸🇮 iglanje

🇮🇸 nálgun

🇰🇿 инъекция

🇬🇪 კოჭი

🇦🇿 iynə

🇲🇽 necesidad de aguja

Etymology

The term 'needling' originates from the word 'needle,' which is derived from the Old English 'nēodl,' meaning a slender, pointed instrument. Its usage has evolved over time to encompass both medical practices, such as acupuncture, and a more informal, colloquial sense related to teasing or provoking someone. The medical connotation arose from the introduction of acupuncture practices in ancient Eastern medicine, where needles were used for therapeutic benefits. Meanwhile, the informal usage likely developed as a metaphorical extension of the physical act of using a needle to poke or prod, thereby inspiring the idea of eliciting a reaction through light teasing. The two meanings, though seemingly disparate, share a common thread of penetration—one in a physical sense and the other in an emotional or psychological context.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #32,367 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.