prickly pear

noun

1

or prickly pear cactus : opuntia

especially : an opuntia with flattened, usually paddle-shaped, jointed stem segments compare cholla, nopal

2

or prickly pear fruit : the pulpy, pear- or egg-shaped, edible, yellow to purplish-red fruit of various prickly pears (such as Opuntia ficus-indica) see tuna entry 2

Illustration of prickly pear

• prickly pear 1

Examples of prickly pear in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Craft cocktails, like the high heat margarita (tequila Ocho Plata, agave nectar, lime juice, jalapeño syrup and prickly pear syrup) are $10. —Jenna Thompson june 18, Kansas City Star, 18 June 2026

Rapid volumetric heating accelerates dye diffusion and allows for deeper penetration of the prickly pear peel pigment molecules (betalain) into the wool fiber interior swollen by the heat. —Jennifer Bringle, Footwear News, 17 June 2026

The fan-favorite hair care gem is packed with superstar ingredients, including green tea extract to repair and prevent damage, and prickly pear to deeply hydrate hair and reduce frizz. —Kyra Surgent, InStyle, 14 June 2026

The ingredient lineup champions prickly pear cactus extract, which draws moisture into the skin and provides a rich source of vitamin K to support elasticity, while Persian silk tree extract targets signs of fatigue. —Jailynn Taylor, Allure, 13 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1696, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for prickly pear

• aftercare
• anywhere
• billionaire
• chinaware
• debonair
• dinnerware
• disrepair
• doctrinaire
• earthenware
• everywhere
• frigidaire
• kitchenware

Kids Definition

prickly pear

noun

1

: any of numerous cacti with spines and usually flat stem segments

2

: the pear-shaped sweet edible pulpy fruit of a prickly pear