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needling

SayNEE-duh-ling/ˈniː.dl.ɪŋ/

Noun pluralneedlings (some meanings)

3 meanings of needling

Practice

  1. 1
    verb
    Present participle and gerund of needle. Use this -ing form when the teasing or poking is happening now.

    The older boys kept needling him about his new glasses.

    She is needling her brother just to get a reaction.

    Note
  2. 2
    noununcountable
    The act of teasing or annoying someone again and again.

    Like a small bug that keeps buzzing around your head and bothering you.

    His constant needling finally made her shout at him.

    The needling from his classmates never seemed to stop.

    Similarteasing, ribbing, taunting, goading

    Note
  3. 3
    nouncountable
    A person who is poor and needs help from others.

    Each needling who came to the food bank went home with a bag of rice and beans.

    She was just a needling looking for a warm meal and a bed.

    Similarpauper

    Note

needling is a form of needle

needle, verb: To annoy someone on purpose by teasing them or making fun of them. Full entry

Forms
needleneedles he/she/itneedling -ing formneedled past tense, past participle
Spelling
needle → needling: drop the e, add -ing

Practice

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Origins

Meaning 3

From "need" plus the ending "-ling".

Meanings 1–2

From "needle" plus the ending "-ing".