Illustration of thistle
: any of various prickly composite plants (especially genera Carduus, Cirsium, and Onopordum) with often showy heads of mostly tubular flowers
also
: any of various other prickly plants
Examples of thistle in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
In order to use this weeding tool (which works on dandelions, thistles, and more), simply place the head of the tool over the weed, step down on the foot platform, and pull up to remove the weed.
—
Andrea Wurzburger, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 Sep. 2023
The Hormonal Health Blend, Menopause Symptom Relief Complex and Digestive Wellness Complex comprise herbs, spices and compounds such as Korean thistle, thyme, saffron, L-theanine and maca root powder.
—Katie Camero, USA TODAY, 14 Mar. 2024
To help the birds survive the cold, Winger said people can offer seeds in bird feeders or thistle feeders.
—Kylie Martin, Detroit Free Press, 19 Jan. 2024
Diamond Thistle brooch Queen Elizabeth gifted Camilla this diamond thistle brooch; the thistle is the national flower of Scotland.
—Town & Country, 16 Mar. 2023
There are four crosses alternating with four sprays representing the national emblems of England (roses), Ireland (shamrocks) and Scotland (thistles).
—Stephanie Petit, Peoplemag, 7 Nov. 2023
But his compatriot got across, landing in a field of thistles north of Kiryat Shemona in Israel, Time reported.
—Jonathan Edwards, Washington Post, 9 Oct. 2023
In between each shield is an emblem of the U.K. nations: a rose, a thistle, a shamrock and a leek.
—Janine Henni, Peoplemag, 29 Dec. 2022
Vegetable rennet or plant rennet: Typically, this will be referring to the variety that’s derived from plants like thistle and nettle.
—Ali Francis, Bon Appétit, 8 Oct. 2023
Andrea Wurzburger, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 Sep. 2023
The Hormonal Health Blend, Menopause Symptom Relief Complex and Digestive Wellness Complex comprise herbs, spices and compounds such as Korean thistle, thyme, saffron, L-theanine and maca root powder.
—Katie Camero, USA TODAY, 14 Mar. 2024
To help the birds survive the cold, Winger said people can offer seeds in bird feeders or thistle feeders.
—Kylie Martin, Detroit Free Press, 19 Jan. 2024
Diamond Thistle brooch Queen Elizabeth gifted Camilla this diamond thistle brooch; the thistle is the national flower of Scotland.
—Town & Country, 16 Mar. 2023
There are four crosses alternating with four sprays representing the national emblems of England (roses), Ireland (shamrocks) and Scotland (thistles).
—Stephanie Petit, Peoplemag, 7 Nov. 2023
But his compatriot got across, landing in a field of thistles north of Kiryat Shemona in Israel, Time reported.
—Jonathan Edwards, Washington Post, 9 Oct. 2023
In between each shield is an emblem of the U.K. nations: a rose, a thistle, a shamrock and a leek.
—Janine Henni, Peoplemag, 29 Dec. 2022
Vegetable rennet or plant rennet: Typically, this will be referring to the variety that’s derived from plants like thistle and nettle.
—Ali Francis, Bon Appétit, 8 Oct. 2023
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'thistle.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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Cite this Entry
“Thistle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/thistle. Accessed 19 Apr. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
thistle
noun
this·tle
ˈthis-əl 
: any of various prickly plants related to the daisies and having often showy heads of mostly tubular flowers
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