Definition

1. Noun:
   • A slender-bodied insect with iridescent wings that are held outstretched when at rest; both adult and immature forms feed on insects like mosquitoes. This meaning refers to a type of damselfly.
   • A needle used in the craft of sewing to pull thread through fabric. This is a hand tool, typically a thin piece of metal with a pointed end and an eye for holding thread.

Examples of Usage

• Noun (Insect):

  • A sewing needle darted over the surface of the pond.
  • The children watched the iridescent sewing needle hunt for mosquitoes.

• Noun (Tool):

  • She threaded the sewing needle with blue thread.
  • Be careful not to lose the sewing needle in the fabric.

Advanced Usage

• The term "sewing needle" for the insect is primarily used in specific regional or historical contexts. In modern entomology, the more common general term is "damselfly."
• In crafting, the phrase "eye of the sewing needle" specifically refers to the small hole at the top of the needle through which thread is passed.

Variants and Related Words

• Damselfly (n): The more common scientific/biological term for the insect referred to as a "sewing needle."
• Darning needle (n): A regional name that can refer to the same insect or to a longer, thicker needle used for mending fabric.
• Hand needle (n): A general category that includes sewing needles.

Synonyms

• For the insect: Damselfly, darning needle (regional).
• For the tool: Hand needle, sharps (a type of sewing needle).

Related Phrases

• Thread a needle: The action of passing thread through the eye of a sewing needle.
  • She found it difficult to thread the needle without her glasses.
• Needle and thread: A common pairing referring to the basic tools for sewing.
  • All you need for a simple repair is a needle and thread.

Notes on Meaning

This is a compound noun with two distinct and unrelated meanings (an insect and a tool). The correct meaning is determined entirely by the context in which it is used. There is no direct idiomatic use of the full compound term "sewing needle."

Noun

1. slender-bodied non-stinging insect having iridescent wings that are outspread at rest; adults and nymphs feed on mosquitoes etc.
2. a needle used in sewing to pull thread through cloth