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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
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
But that was Himes’ point, one also raised by George Clooney: Democrats are on pins and needles worried that Biden will sink into something resembling his feeble nature at the CNN debate.
—Ted Johnson, Deadline, 11 July 2024
Season 2 left audiences on pins and needles, waiting to see how the love triangle between Simone, Damon and Lando would play out.
—Katie Campione, Deadline, 8 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for pins and needles
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'pins and needles.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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 24 Sep. 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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Merriam-Webster unabridged
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