prickly

adjective

prick·​ly ˈpri-k(ə-)lē How to pronounce prickly (audio)
pricklier; prickliest
Synonyms of prickly
1
: full of or covered with prickles
especially : distinguished from related kinds by the presence of prickles
2
: marked by prickling : stinging
a prickly sensation
3
a
: troublesome, vexatious
prickly issues
b
: easily irritated
had a prickly disposition
prickliness noun

Synonyms of prickly

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Examples of prickly in a Sentence

The plant's leaves are prickly. she tried to ignore the feel of the prickly grass against her skin
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Federer didn’t have too many prickly relationships during his playing days, and there were plenty of candidates. — Matthew Futterman, New York Times, 30 Aug. 2026 And you’ll be treated to a lush habitat of native plants, including prickly phlox, chaparral yucca, black sage, hollyleaf cherry and Coulter’s Matilija poppy. — Jaclyn Cosgrove, Los Angeles Times, 27 Aug. 2026 Of course, even a D’Angelo scratch vocal makes for a pristine chorus, especially over a Dilla groove elegantly textured with prickly guitars and burbling marimbas. — Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 25 Aug. 2026 New York City sanitation workers say their job has been pricklier than usual after the Department of Sanitation reported an increase in needle stick injuries. — Noelle Lilley, CBS News, 21 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for prickly

Word History

First Known Use

1578, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of prickly was in 1578

Phrases Containing prickly

Rhymes for prickly

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Browse Nearby Words

pricklouse
prickly
prickly apple
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Cite this Entry

“Prickly.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prickly. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

prickly

adjective
prick·​ly ˈprik-lē How to pronounce prickly (audio)
-ə-lē
pricklier; prickliest
1
: full of or covered with prickles
prickly plants
2
: marked by slight stinging or tingling
a prickly sensation
prickliness noun
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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