1 thimble | Definition of thimble

thimble

noun
thim·​ble | \ ˈthim-bÉ™l How to pronounce thimble (audio) \

Definition of thimble

1 : a pitted cap or cover worn on the finger to push the needle in sewing
2a : a grooved ring of thin metal used to fit in a spliced loop in a rope as protection from chafing
b : a lining (as of metal) for an opening (as in a roof or wall) through which a stovepipe or chimney passes

Examples of thimble in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The hides come from moose, deer, and elk; the ribbons are made of silk and the thimbles and bells of brass. Ashlea Halpern, Condé Nast Traveler, "Inside the First Major Museum Exhibition Celebrating Native Women Artists," 31 May 2019 In the 1700s, simple poesy rings were popular in Europe, while in New England, Puritan men—shunning frivolous rings—were thought to have given thimbles to their betrothed (though women often cut off the tops and wore them as rings anyway). Virginia Van Zanten, Vogue, "The Best Celebrity Engagement Rings of All Time," 6 Aug. 2018 An unusual brass thimble, ceramics, a knife and shards of a glazed tin jar were unearthed last month during an archaeological excavation at Colonial Michilimackinac in Mackinaw City, Michigan. James Rogers, Fox News, "Colonial era Michigan fort reveals its secrets," 3 July 2018 Update, 2/17/2017: Well, per the world's vote to replace classic Monopoly tokens, the game's beloved thimble just got the boot. Sarah Schreiber, Good Housekeeping, "Monopoly Just Got Rid of the Thimble and Now None of the Original Tokens Are Safe," 17 Feb. 2017 The artifacts include silverware, keys, thimbles, rare coins and even a mysterious gold box that conservators have yet to get open. Mark Price, charlotteobserver, "The 1838 shipwreck was 'the Titanic of its time.' Divers just made an eerie discovery," 17 June 2018 The thimble won't be included in the newest version of the cult game, which rolls out in the fall, but that's not necessarily permanent. Sarah Schreiber, Good Housekeeping, "Monopoly Just Got Rid of the Thimble and Now None of the Original Tokens Are Safe," 17 Feb. 2017 The powder essentially falls into a cup akin to a small thimble, where it is placed into a small oven and heated to temperatures of 500ºC, and above. Eric Berger, Ars Technica, "Finally, scientists have found intriguing organic molecules on Mars," 7 June 2018 Flores transfers gallon jars of jalapeño verde into plastic thimbles with snap-on lids for carryout orders. Mike Sutter, Bon Appetit, "On the Clock with Austin’s Most Beloved Waitress," 6 June 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'thimble.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of thimble

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for thimble

Middle English thymel, thymbyl, from Old English thȳmel covering for the thumb, from thūma thumb

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More Definitions for thimble

thimble

noun

English Language Learners Definition of thimble

: a small metal or plastic cap used in sewing to protect the finger that pushes the needle

thimble

noun
thim·​ble | \ ˈthim-bÉ™l How to pronounce thimble (audio) \

Kids Definition of thimble

: a cap or cover used in sewing to protect the finger that pushes the needle

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More from Merriam-Webster on thimble

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with thimble

Spanish Central: Translation of thimble

Nglish: Translation of thimble for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about thimble