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niggle
[ nig-uhl ]
/ ˈnɪg əl /
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This shows grade level based on the word's complexity.
verb (used without object), nig·gled, nig·gling.
to criticize, especially constantly or repeatedly, in a peevish or petty way; carp: to niggle about the fine points of interpretation; preferring to niggle rather than take steps to correct a situation.
to spend too much time and effort on inconsequential details: It's difficult to be meticulous and not niggle.
to work ineffectively; trifle: to niggle with an uninteresting task.
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We could talk until we're blue in the face about this quiz on words for the color "blue," but we think you should take the quiz and find out if you're a whiz at these colorful terms.
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Origin of niggle
1610–20; <Scandinavian; compare Norwegian nigla to be penurious (ultimately <Old Norse hnøggr stingy, cognate with Old English hnēaw); cf. niggard
OTHER WORDS FROM niggle
niggler, nounWords nearby niggle
nigga, niggard, niggardly, nigger, nigger heaven, niggle, niggling, nigh, night, night and day, night-blind
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2021
How to use niggle in a sentence
Nevertheless, it still niggled Handschuh that he was a journalist with an incomplete story.
Who Is He? Photographer Hunts for His 9/11 ‘Guardian Angel’|Rachel Olding|September 10, 2021|The Daily BeastNiggle, eat in peace and thankfulness; for I have once more saved you from the abyss of matrimony.
Single Life|John Baldwin BuckstoneThe fact is, Mr. Niggle, we dont wish to wound your feelings.
Single Life|John Baldwin BuckstoneMr. Niggle, the gentleman with whom you saw me yesterday, is my friend.
Single Life|John Baldwin Buckstone
British Dictionary definitions for niggle
niggle
/ (ˈnɪɡəl) /
verb
(intr) to find fault continually
(intr) to be preoccupied with details; fuss
(tr) to irritate; worry
noun
a slight or trivial objection or complaint
a slight feeling as of misgiving, uncertainty, etc
Derived forms of niggle
niggler, nounniggly, adjectiveWord Origin for niggle
C16: from Scandinavian; related to Norwegian nigla. Compare niggard
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
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