thimble: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1 (Low frequency, specialised vocabulary)Neutral, leaning towards everyday/technical depending on context. Predominantly used in crafting, domestic, and certain technical settings.
Quick answer
What does “thimble” mean?
A small, protective, cup-shaped cap, typically made of metal or plastic, worn on the finger to push a needle through fabric when sewing.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A small, protective, cup-shaped cap, typically made of metal or plastic, worn on the finger to push a needle through fabric when sewing.
A small, protective cap for a fingertip, used in sewing and occasionally in other manual tasks. The word can also metaphorically denote something small, protective, or cup-shaped. In games like poker, it is a term for a specific bet. It is also a component in some mechanical contexts, like a thimble coupling or a fitting on a cable.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning, usage, or spelling. The object and its function are identical in both cultures.
Connotations
In both varieties, it often connotes traditional sewing, domesticity, and careful handwork. It is not a culturally loaded term.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency in both varieties, used primarily when discussing sewing, crafts, or specific technical domains.
Grammar
How to Use “thimble” in a Sentence
use + thimble + to + VERBwear + thimble + on + (finger)push + (needle) + with + thimbleVocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually non-existent, unless in the context of manufacturing or selling sewing supplies.
Academic
Rare; might appear in historical or anthropological studies of domestic life, textile arts, or material culture.
Everyday
Used when discussing sewing, mending, or traditional crafts. Known by most adults but not used daily.
Technical
Used in specific fields: sewing/tailoring terminology, certain mechanical engineering contexts (e.g., thimble coupling on a cable or pipe).
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “thimble”
- Mispronunciation: /ˈθaɪmbl/ (incorrect) vs /ˈθɪmbl/ (correct).
- Spelling: 'thimble' not 'thimbel'.
- Using it as a verb (to thimble is not standard).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Primarily, yes. Its core meaning is the sewing tool. However, it has technical meanings in engineering (e.g., a connecting sleeve) and is used metaphorically in 'thimbleful' to mean a very small amount.
No, 'to thimble' is not a standard English verb. The tool is strictly a noun.
There is no significant difference in meaning, pronunciation, or usage of the word 'thimble' between British and American English.
The word comes from Old English 'þȳmel', meaning 'thumbstall' (a covering for the thumb), which is derived from 'þūma' (thumb). Its original function was to protect the thumb.
A small, protective, cup-shaped cap, typically made of metal or plastic, worn on the finger to push a needle through fabric when sewing.
Thimble is usually neutral, leaning towards everyday/technical depending on context. predominantly used in crafting, domestic, and certain technical settings. in register.
Thimble: in British English it is pronounced /ˈθɪmbl/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈθɪmbl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Thimbleful (a very small amount, especially of liquid).”
- “(as) clever as a thimble (archaic/sarcastic, meaning not very clever).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine your THUMB feeling BLE after sewing without a THIMBLE. The word sounds like 'thumb' + 'humble', reminding you of a humble tool that protects your thumb.
Conceptual Metaphor
A THIMBLE IS A SHIELD (for the finger). / A THIMBLEFUL IS A SMALL MEASURE (metonymic extension).
Practice
Quiz
What is a 'thimbleful' most likely to describe?