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.
The only new face that does demand a lot of attention so far is a prickly new assistant coach, Alice (an excellent Tanya Reynolds). — Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 5 Aug. 2026 Since the cones are prickly, don’t use your fingers for this. — Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 3 Aug. 2026 These prickly hairs are for protection, with barbed ends that easily penetrate the skin of predators or your hand. — Markis Hill, Kansas City Star, 26 July 2026 And the host is surprisingly game to poke fun at his own prickly Hollywood reputation, lending the entire hour-long episode a kind of comedy synergy that elevates it above the usual collection of reference jokes. — Chris Snellgrove, Entertainment Weekly, 25 July 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 12 Aug. 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

More from Merriam-Webster on prickly

Nglish: Translation of prickly for Spanish Speakers

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