1. small protective caps worn on the finger while sewing to push the needle
2. metal sleeves or rings used to reinforce rope loops or protect cables
Usage: nautical; technical

Examples

• She collected antique silver thimbles from around the world.
• The seamstress wore thimbles on both index fingers while quilting.
• My grandmother’s sewing box contained several worn brass thimbles.
• The sailor inserted thimbles into the rope loops to prevent fraying.
• These plastic thimbles are perfect for beginning sewers.
• The rigging required steel thimbles to handle the heavy load.