Pronunciations (2)
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/ˈθɪmb(ə)l/
Pronunciation notes
- General-American
- Received-Pronunciation
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ˈθɪmb(ə)l
Noun
A pitted, now usually metal, cup-shaped cap worn on the tip of a finger, which is used in sewing to push the needle through material.
- Examples
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She had worn a hole through her silver thimble, and wanted Owen to repair it.
As much as fills a thimble (sense 1); a thimbleful.
An object which resembles a thimble (sense 1) in shape or size. A thimble or similar object used in thimblerig (“a game of skill which requires the bettor to guess under which of three thimbles or small cups a pea-sized object has been placed after the person operating the game rapidly rearranges them”).
Usage- also
- attributive
An object which resembles a thimble (sense 1) in shape or size. A socket in machinery shaped like a thimble.
Usage- also
- attributive
A metal ring which a cable or rope intended for attaching to other things is looped around as a protection against chafing.
- Examples
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More examples (2)
To relieve the stern in a measure from the great weight of the [diving-]bell, a short, strong mast was stepped in the usual place, and steeving forward; from its head to the head of the davit was a span, which set up with two thimbles [footnote: A sort of iron ring.] and a lanyard, and the whole was supported by a strong stay from the mast-head to the stern of the boat, and two shrouds on a side, leading forward.
The rope part is fitted with a thimble in one end, which is connected to the chain by means of a shackle; the other extremity is spliced around a heart, and goes with a laniard, as in the case of bobstays. The splice of the thimble and the heart should be served.
A ring- or tube-shaped component such as a ferrule.
A watch (timepiece).
Usage- UK usage
- Obsolete
- Examples
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More examples (1)
One of them had the address, whilst his Majesty was shaking hands with one of his 'Pall-Mall' acquaintances, to slip his hand under his upper tog [coat] and extract his thimble [watch] […]
Verb
To use a thimble (noun sense 1).
Usage- Intransitive
To sew.
Usage- broadly
- Intransitive
Noun
as much as a thimble will hold
- Synonyms
- Broader terms
a small metal cap to protect the finger while sewing; can be used as a small container