thorn

noun

ˈthȯrn How to pronounce thorn (audio)
Synonyms of thornnext
often attributive
1
a
: a sharp rigid process on a plant
especially : one that is a short, indurated, sharp-pointed, and leafless modified stem compare prickle, spine
b
: any of various sharp spiny structures on an animal
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\
thorned
ˈthȯrnd How to pronounce thorn (audio)
adjective
thornless
ˈthȯrn-ləs How to pronounce thorn (audio)
adjective
thornlike
ˈthȯrn-ˌlīk How to pronounce thorn (audio)
adjective

Synonyms of thorn

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Examples of thorn in a Sentence

your constant questions are a thorn in my side
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Since her arrival, Claire has been a thorn in Quinn’s side, constantly pushing her to go back to New York, as for her, Ransom Canyon is little more than a dying town. — Barry Levitt, Time, 23 July 2026 Blackthorn salt was filtered through something called a tower of thorns. — Literary Hub, 22 July 2026 According to Fried, songbirds especially like this tree’s fruit, which is reminiscent of blackberries but without the seeds or thorns. — Sj McShane, Martha Stewart, 18 July 2026 Worst of all, these trees have become invasive, crossing with other Callery cultivars to create wild hybrids that produce four-inch-long thorns. — Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 15 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for thorn

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Old English; akin to Old High German dorn thorn, Sanskrit tṛṇa grass, blade of grass

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of thorn was before the 12th century

Phrases Containing thorn

Rhymes for thorn

See All Rhymes for thorn

Browse Nearby Words

thorium series
thorn
thorn apple
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Cite this Entry

“Thorn.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/thorn. Accessed 26 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

thorn

noun
ˈthȯ(ə)rn How to pronounce thorn (audio)
1
: 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
thorned
ˈthȯ(ə)rnd How to pronounce thorn (audio)
adjective
thornless
ˈthȯ(ə)rn-ləs How to pronounce thorn (audio)
adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on thorn

Nglish: Translation of thorn for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about thorn

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