darning needle

noun

1. a long needle with a long eye used in darning.
2. Chiefly Northern and Western U.S. a dragonfly.

darning needle

noun

1. a long needle with a large eye used for darning
2. a dialect name for a dragonfly

Word History and Origins

Origin of darning needle¹

First recorded in 1755–65

Example Sentences

Crochet hooks, soda bottles, and darning needles were also used in attempts to end pregnancies.

From Salon

After all, some of the first subcutaneous drug delivery options involved shoving a pellet of medication under the skin with a darning needle.

From Scientific American

She had made it herself, on the head of a darning needle which had a broken eye, so it couldn’t be used as a needle any more.

From Literature

Use a darning needle and colored yarn to stitch craft paper together and elevate your wrapping game.

From New York Times

Marcella suggests sewing up the openings of the squid sacs with a darning needle and cotton thread, but you can use flat toothpicks instead.

From Seattle Times