What does needled mean?
Needled means annoyed or irritated, usually because someone has been teasing, provoking, or repeatedly bothering you. It is an informal expression that often conveys irritation mixed with a sense of being goaded or singled out for attention. For example, a person might say that a noisy neighbor or a teasing colleague got them needled. The related verb needle likewise means to annoy or irritate someone, often through persistent teasing. Although needled can describe a range of feelings, it usually suggests a level of frustration that is noticeable but not necessarily severe. In British English it is especially common in phrases such as “get needled” and “feel needled,” though it is also understood in American English. The word is useful in informal narratives and sports reporting, where it describes players or teams being provoked or unsettled.
Feeling annoyed, irritated, or bothered, especially after being teased or provoked.
"The player was visibly needled by the defender's comments."
Informal; common in British and American English.
Annoyed or irritated someone, especially by teasing or persistent provocation.
"They needled him throughout the interview."
This is the past tense and past participle of needle.
To be needled is to be teased or goaded until your patience is tested.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does needled come from?
The adjective and verb forms come from the noun needle, whose Old English ancestor was nedle. In the verb sense, needle developed the meaning of annoying or irritating someone through persistent teasing or provocation. The adjective needled is formed from needle plus the -ed participial suffix and came to describe a person who has been annoyed in this way.
How needled is actually used
Informal. The adjective is common in conversation and informal writing, especially in British English, and often implies mild rather than extreme irritation.
Easily confused with needled
A needle is a slender pointed instrument used for sewing, injections, or other purposes; needled describes someone who has been annoyed or irritated.