Definition

A small, rigid cap worn on the finger to protect it while sewing, typically made of metal or plastic with a dimpled surface to grip the needle.

Example Usage

She slipped the thimble onto her middle finger before threading the needle.

Origin

From Old English 'thymel,' from 'thumb' plus the suffix '-el,' literally meaning 'thumb thing.'

Fun Fact

Ornamental thimbles have been collected since the Victorian era, and some rare silver thimbles are worth thousands of dollars to collectors.

Source: Definition backfill (hailey)