ETYM Old Eng. nedle, as. naedl; akin to Dutch neald, os. nâdla, German nadel, Old High Germ. nâdal, nâdala, Icel. nâl, Swed. nal, Dan. naal, and also to German nähen to sew, Old High Germ. nâjan, Latin nere to spin.
1. A sharp pointed implement (usually steel).
2. A slender pointer for indicating the reading on the scale of a measuring instrument.

1. To prick with a needle, in sewing or embroidering.
2. To nag or tease.