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niggle

[ nig-uhl ]
/ ˈnɪg əl /
SEE SYNONYMS FOR niggle

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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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, noun

Words 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. 2020

Words related to niggle

cavil, moan, grumble, grouse, carp, object, nag, argue, complain, fuss, find fault

Example sentences from the Web for niggle

  • The fact is, Mr. Niggle, we dont wish to wound your feelings.

    Single Life|John Baldwin Buckstone

  • Niggle, eat in peace and thankfulness; for I have once more saved you from the abyss of matrimony.

    Single Life|John Baldwin Buckstone

  • Mr. 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, adjective

Word 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 Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012