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pins and needles
plural noun
: a pricking tingling sensation in a limb growing numb or recovering from numbness
Phrases
on pins and needles
: in a nervous or jumpy state of anticipation
Examples of pins and needles in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Instead, some election-watchers waited on pins and needles for a prediction from Allan Lichtman, a 77-year-old distinguished professor of history at American University who lives in Bethesda, Maryland.
—Marina Pitofsky, USA TODAY, 22 Sep. 2024
Right now, the pins and needles circumstance is that the controversial bill sits on Governor Newsom’s desk and awaits his action, which must be taken by September 30, 2024.
—Lance Eliot, Forbes, 22 Sep. 2024
However, there were some side effects, including pins and needles, headache, fatigue and nausea, though the researchers report that these were mild to moderate.
—New Atlas, 10 Sep. 2024
Cam switched to another treatment that gave him constant pins and needles in his hands.
—Olivia Jordan Cornelius, Outside Online, 15 July 2024
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Word History
First Known Use
1813, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near pins and needles
Cite this Entry
“Pins and needles.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pins%20and%20needles. Accessed 3 Dec. 2024.
Kids Definition
pins and needles
plural noun
: a pricking tingling feeling in an arm or leg that is recovering from numbness
Medical Definition
pins and needles
noun plural
: a pricking tingling sensation in a limb growing numb or recovering from numbness
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