niggle
verb (used without object)
to criticize, especially constantly or repeatedly, in a peevish or petty way; carp.
niggled
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past participleof niggle.past participle
A verb form used in perfect and passive verb constructions and that can also function as a modifier.
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past tense formof niggle.past tense
Used to describe completed actions or previous habitual actions.
niggleverb (used without object)to criticize, especially constantly or repeatedly, in a peevish or petty way; carp.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
She said concerns around the situation have "niggled" her since.
From BBC ● Feb. 12, 2026
Although his knee completely gave up on him when the stakes were highest, it has allowed Aspinall to have surgery, solving a problem which has niggled away at him for his entire UFC career.
From BBC ● Jul. 22, 2023
The exclusion crushed Kral, and something else niggled him.
From New York Times ● Jul. 30, 2020
Even then Hale’s attitude – that she was claiming to be just as messed up as the teenager she had attacked – niggled at me.
From The Guardian ● Oct. 22, 2014
The thought niggled at Ophie as she set down her bucket and began to wipe at the windows, the water sloshing a bit as she worked.
From "Ophie's Ghosts" by Justina Ireland
