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

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

• irritating

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

Meryl Streep‘s Miranda Priestly has always resisted easy categorization, as a prickly boss whose foundation is ultimately much more understanding. —Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 2 May 2026

Scott stars as a prickly author who visits an Irish hotel haunted by a witch and also gets embroiled in a murder mystery. —Brian Truitt, USA Today, 1 May 2026

This smooth-leafed cousin of the prickly Christmas-style holly has whitish-green flowers in spring before the dark berries that give the shrub its name appear in late summer and early fall. —Melissa Locker, Southern Living, 1 May 2026

This is because squash plants produce prickly leaves and stems that rabbits dislike. —Samantha Johnson, Martha Stewart, 25 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1578, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing prickly

• prickly ash
• prickly heat
• prickly pear
• prickly pear cactus
• prickly pear fruit
• prickly poppy

Rhymes for prickly

• quickly
• sickly
• thickly

Kids 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