noun
( -s )
Etymology: from gerund of needle (II)
1. : the action or process of using a needle
from their authentic styling to their fine needling — New York Times
specifically : the action or process of using an etching needle
2. : a temporary support of needle beams
3. : irritatingly persistent goading or prodding
the give-and-take, the needling … and sometimes the downright abuse involved in dealing with newsmen — F.L.Mott