prickly

adjective

prick·​ly ˈpri-k(ə-)lē 

pricklier; prickliest

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

prickliness noun

Synonyms of prickly

• irritating

Examples of prickly in a Sentence

The plant's leaves are prickly.

she tried to ignore the feel of the prickly grass against her skin

Recent Examples on the Web

Plant it near tomatoes, squash and strawberries—its prickly leaves deter insect pests. — Barbara Gillette, The Spruce, 26 May 2026

Abbass, in this role, exudes a prickly and lyrical authority worthy of Vanessa Redgrave. — Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 29 May 2026

Set the scene Desert-meets-tropical-island, where succulents flourish like daisies in spring, and prickly cacti forests line the local roads into the capital of Willemstad. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 26 June 2026

Still, a square between Venus and Chiron could make mundane conversations more prickly than usual, especially around work, wellness or responsibilities. — Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 12 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1578, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing prickly

• prickly ash
• prickly heat
• prickly pear
• prickly pear cactus
• prickly pear fruit
• prickly poppy

Rhymes for prickly

• quickly
• sickly
• thickly

Kids Definition

prickly

adjective

prick·​ly ˈprik-lē 

-ə-lē

pricklier; prickliest

1

: full of or covered with prickles

prickly plants

2

: marked by slight stinging or tingling

a prickly sensation

prickliness noun