often attributive
1
2
: a woody plant bearing sharp impeding processes (such as prickles or spines)
especially
: hawthorn
3
: something that causes distress or irritation
—often used in the phrase thorn in one's side
4
: the runic letter þ used in Old English and Middle English to represent either of the fricatives \th\ or \t͟h\ and in Icelandic to represent \th\
Examples of thorn in a Sentence
your constant questions are a thorn in my side
Recent Examples on the Web
Until Hoxha's break with Nikita Khrushchev's USSR, after the abjuration of Stalinism, Sazan was in Soviet hands, a thorn in the side of the West, a base for 12 Whiskey-class submarines and of chemical-biological weapons plants.
—
Marzio G. Mian, Vanity Fair, 16 June 2026
However, some homeowners may be wary of planting roses because of their heavy thorns—especially in households with children or pets.
—Samantha Johnson, Martha Stewart, 15 June 2026
Quinones, who won the Saudi Pro League golden boot last season ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo, was a thorn in South Africa’s side throughout and played an important role in Mexico doubling their lead through Raul Jimenez in the 67th minute.
—The Athletic Soccer Experts, New York Times, 12 June 2026
Often reaching up to six feet tall, these bushes, also known as brambles, have sharp thorns covering their branches.
—Heather Bien, Southern Living, 10 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for thorn
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Marzio G. Mian, Vanity Fair, 16 June 2026
However, some homeowners may be wary of planting roses because of their heavy thorns—especially in households with children or pets.
—Samantha Johnson, Martha Stewart, 15 June 2026
Quinones, who won the Saudi Pro League golden boot last season ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo, was a thorn in South Africa’s side throughout and played an important role in Mexico doubling their lead through Raul Jimenez in the 67th minute.
—The Athletic Soccer Experts, New York Times, 12 June 2026
Often reaching up to six feet tall, these bushes, also known as brambles, have sharp thorns covering their branches.
—Heather Bien, Southern Living, 10 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for thorn
Cite this Entry
“Thorn.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/thorn. Accessed 21 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
thorn
noun1
: a woody plant bearing sharp processes (as prickles or spines)
especially
: hawthorn
2
: a sharp stiff process on a plant
especially
: a stem modified into a short, stiff, and leafless sharp point
3
: something or someone that causes distress or irritation
—often used in the phrase thorn in one's side
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