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Definition of nettle
1 : any of a genus (Urtica of the family Urticaceae, the nettle family) of chiefly coarse herbs armed with stinging hairs … legs, which smarted from the stings of nettles … — James Stephens
2 : any of various prickly or stinging plants other than the true nettles (genus Urtica)
From the M-W Editors
nettle was our Word of the Day on 01/17/2016. Hear the podcast!
Theme music by Joshua Stamper ©2006 New Jerusalem Music/ASCAP
Recent Examples of nettle from the Web
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Behind the hotel several cars, one tireless and up on blocks, rested among dry nettles and wild oats.
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This fascinating meal’s most memorable composition was a chlorophyll- and umami-rich flamed mackerel with nettles, green peas and ’nduja, the soft spicy Calabrian sausage.
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While Sapp’s original flavor does not have additives except less than 1 percent of citric acid, the company offers birch water flavored with nettle and rose hip, which respectively support kidney functioning and the immune system.
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The combination of elderflower, milk thistle, nettle and astragalus is said to lessen the symptoms of altitude sickness.
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Lamb stew with butternut squash spaetzle, shimeji mushrooms, nettles and pea shoots held the promise of spring.
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In Asia, researchers just proved that eDNA can also be employed to study jellyfish like the Japanese sea nettle.
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Ginger, nettle and dandelion teas are natural antihistamines and are detoxifying.
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The Dram crew forages many of their ingredients themselves, including gentian root, fennel, stinging nettle, and dandelion.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'nettle'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Illustration of nettle
Origin and Etymology of nettle
Middle English, from Old English netel; akin to Old High German nazza nettle, Greek adikē
Examples of nettle in a Sentence
The mayor's recent actions have nettled some members of the community.
It nettles him that his younger coworker got a promotion before he did.
Did You Know?
If you've ever brushed against nettles, you know those weeds have sharp bristles that can leave you smarting and itching. The painful and irritating rash that nettles cause can last for days, but at least it is a rash with a linguistic silver lining. The discomfort caused by nettles can serve to remind one that the verb "nettle" is a synonym of "irritate." "Nettle" originated as a plant name that we can trace to the Old English word netel. Eventually, people likened the nagging itch caused by the plant to the nagging aggravation of being annoyed, and "nettle" became a synonym of "vex," "peeve," and of course "irritate."
Origin and Etymology of nettle
see 1nettle
Synonym Discussion of nettle
NETTLE Defined for English Language Learners
nettle
playDefinition of nettle for English Language Learners
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: a tall plant that has leaves with hairs that sting you if you touch them
nettle
Definition of nettle for English Language Learners
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: to make (someone) angry
NETTLE Defined for Kids
nettle
playDefinition of nettle for Students
: a tall plant with hairs on the leaves that when touched can cause a painful skin rash
Medical Dictionary
nettle
playMedical Definition of nettle
1: any plant of the genus Urtica (family Urticaceae, the nettle family)
2: any of various prickly or stinging plants other than one of the genus Urtica
Learn More about nettle
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See words that rhyme with nettle Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for nettle Spanish Central: Translation of nettle Nglish: Translation of nettle for Spanish speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about nettle
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