needling

English

Etymology 1

From need +‎ -ling.

Noun

needling (plural needlings)

1. A needy person.

Etymology 2

From needle +‎ -ing.

Verb

needling

1. present participle and gerund of needle

Noun

needling (plural needlings)

1. The act of one who needles or annoys.
   • 2017, Paul Chrystal, When in Rome: Social Life in Ancient Rome:

     […] it is a steady drip drip of small imperceptible needlings and irritations, coming day after day between a man and his wife, […]

Derived terms

• dry needling

Anagrams

• eldening