ditale
masculine
The English word "thimble" is ditale in Italian.
ditale refers to a cup-shaped cap worn on the tip of a finger and used in sewing to push a needle through material.
Meaning: cup-shaped cap worn on the tip of a finger, used in sewing to push the needle through material (noun)
Did you know?
- The Latin root of ditale is shared with the name of the foxglove plant, known in Italian as digitale. This is because the flowers are shaped like small fingers or thimbles.
- The word ditale is a direct relative of the English word 'digital', both originating from the Latin 'digitus' meaning 'finger'.
- In Italian, the word for a mathematical 'digit' and the word for 'finger' dito share the same root, because people originally counted on their fingers.
Examples in context
- Comprò un ditale.He bought a thimble.This sentence is useful for seeing how to use ditale in a simple sentence.Tatoeba #873204 by antilope, translation #704397 by azulhana
- Ho bisogno di un ditale per cucire.I need a thimble to sew.
- Il ditale è caduto sul pavimento.The thimble fell on the floor.
Example conversation
Giulia is sewing a dress and realizes she is missing a tool.
- AlessandroTi serve aiuto con il cucito?Do you need help with the sewing?
- GiuliaSì, non trovo più il mio ditale.Yes, I can't find my thimble anymore.
- AlessandroGuarda, è proprio lì sul tavolo.Look, it is right there on the table.
- GiuliaGrazie, Alessandro, l'avevo dimenticato.Thanks, Alessandro, I had forgotten it.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “thimble” translations and entries ditale, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ditale, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
