Needham, town, Norfolk County, eastern Massachusetts, on the Charles River, near Boston; incorporated 1711. It is primarily residential and has some industry; major manufactures include textiles, paper products, and electronic equipment. The community was settled in 1680 as part of Dedham, from which it was separated in 1711. It is named for Needham, England. Population 27,901 (1980); 27,557 (1990); 27,557 (1996 estimate).
