Thimble
/ˈθɪm.bəl/noun
A small protective cap worn on a finger for pushing a needle while sewing.
Did you know?The word’s history points back to a Germanic root for “thumb,” showing how everyday tools can preserve very old body-language in plain sight.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Germanic
PGmc
*þūmô
“thumb”
Old English
OE
þȳmel
“thumb-stall or thumb protector”
Middle English
ME
thimel / thymel
“thumb covering or finger protector”
14th Century
English
thymble / thimble
“small metal cap for protecting the finger while sewing”
Modern English
English
thimble
“a small protective cap worn on a finger for sewing”
Explore more surprising origins