prickly

prick·ly

adjective \ˈpri-k(ə-)lē\

: having many sharp points

: caused or seeming to be caused by something that has many small, sharp points

: causing a prickly feeling on your skin

prick·li·erprick·li·est

Full Definition 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>

— prick·li·ness noun

Examples of PRICKLY

1. The plant's leaves are prickly.
2. <she tried to ignore the feel of the prickly grass against her skin>

First Known Use of PRICKLY

1578

Related to PRICKLY

Synonyms

irritating, itchy, scratchy

Related Words

coarse, harsh, rough

Near Antonyms

silken, silky, soft, soothing

Other Seed Plant Terms

aubergine, box, bramble, briar, composite, perpetual, pulse, trefoil

Rhymes with PRICKLY

quickly, sickly, slickly, thickly