prickly
adjective
prick·ly
ˈpri-k(ə-)lē 
pricklier; prickliest
1
: full of or covered with prickles
especially
: distinguished from related kinds by the presence of prickles
3
a
: troublesome, vexatious
prickly issues
b
: easily irritated
had a prickly disposition
prickliness
noun
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
Our relationship is a prickly rope of pride, pain, shame, gratitude, jealousy, admiration and disappointment.
—
Christina Dugan Ramirez, FOXNews.com, 5 June 2025
Keller resists going too quirky with his characters, locating humor instead in the sometimes prickly, often playful exchanges between them, and pathos in their genuine care and concern for one another.
—Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 3 June 2025
Weeding out young thistles by hand and applying herbicides at the right time of year are most effective for getting rid of this prickly weed.
—Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 June 2025
By Zak Cheney-Rice book review 7:00 a.m. Susan Choi Is Still Outlandishly Talented A father’s disappearance, and the black hole of uncertainty surrounding it, are the subject of her prickly new novel.
—Britina Cheng, Vulture, 1 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for prickly
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Christina Dugan Ramirez, FOXNews.com, 5 June 2025
Keller resists going too quirky with his characters, locating humor instead in the sometimes prickly, often playful exchanges between them, and pathos in their genuine care and concern for one another.
—Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 3 June 2025
Weeding out young thistles by hand and applying herbicides at the right time of year are most effective for getting rid of this prickly weed.
—Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 June 2025
By Zak Cheney-Rice book review 7:00 a.m. Susan Choi Is Still Outlandishly Talented A father’s disappearance, and the black hole of uncertainty surrounding it, are the subject of her prickly new novel.
—Britina Cheng, Vulture, 1 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for prickly
Cite this Entry
“Prickly.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prickly. Accessed 12 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
prickly
adjective
prick·ly
ˈprik-lē
-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
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