thimble

Etymology

From Middle English thimbil, thimel, thimle, thümle, Old English þȳmel (“thumbstall; fingerstall; thimble”), from Proto-Germanic *þūmilaz, corresponding to thumb +‎ -le. Cognate with Scots thummle, thumble (“thimble”), Saterland Frisian Düümelke (“thumbstall”), Dutch duimeling, German Low German Dümelke (“thumbstall”), German Däumling (“thumbstall”).

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /ˈθɪmbəl/

• Audio (US)

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• Rhymes: -ɪmbəl

Noun

thimble (plural thimbles)

1. (sewing) A pitted, now usually metal, cap for the fingers, used in sewing to push the needle.
2. A similarly shaped socket in machinery.
3. A thimbleful.
4. (nautical) A ring of metal or rope used in a ship's rigging; it is a protection against chafing.