needling
|nee-dling|
B2
/ˈniːd.lɪŋ/
(needle)
sharp tool
Etymology
Etymology Information
'needle' originates from Old English, specifically the word 'nædl', where 'nædl' meant 'a small pointed instrument'.
Historical Evolution
'nædl' transformed into the Middle English word 'nedle', and eventually became the modern English word 'needle'.
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'a small pointed instrument', but over time it evolved to include the meaning of 'provoking or annoying someone'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Verb 1
present participle of 'needle', meaning to provoke or annoy someone persistently.
She kept needling him about his past mistakes.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Idioms
Last updated: 2025/05/09 01:17