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niggle
[ nig-uhl ]
/ ˈnɪg əl /
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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, nounWords nearby niggle
nigga, niggard, niggardly, nigger, nigger heaven, niggle, niggling, nigh, night, night and day, night blindness
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
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
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