niggle

[ nig-uh l ]
/ ˈnɪg əl /
SEE SYNONYMS FOR niggle ON THESAURUS.COM

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.

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

nig·gler, noun

Words nearby niggle

niggard, niggardly, nigger, nigger heaven, nigger of the narcissus, the, niggle, niggling, nigh, night, night and day, night blindness

Words related to niggle

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

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, noun niggly, adjective

Word Origin for niggle

C16: from Scandinavian; related to Norwegian nigla. Compare niggard