1
: a fine sharp process or projection
especially
: a sharp pointed emergence arising from the epidermis or cortex (see cortex sense 3a) of a plant (such as a rose or raspberry) compare spine, thorn
2
: a prickling or tingling sensation
Examples of prickle in a Sentence
Noun
She felt a prickle of fear as the stranger came closer to her.
He felt the familiar prickle of excitement as the game began.
Verb
The burrs were prickling my arm.
The wool sweater prickled my skin.
My skin prickled with fear.
The hair prickled on the back of my neck.
She felt a prickling sensation in her shoulder.
Recent Examples on the Web
Rivka Galchen, New Yorker, 26 May 2025
After reviewing previous studies and conducting new research, it was found that LOG was associated with prickle growth in approximately 20 species.
—Ben Coxworth, New Atlas, 2 Aug. 2024
Adriane Quinlan, Curbed, 30 May 2025
Nottingham Forest’s more nervous fans might be feeling a familiar prickling sensation in the back of their minds.
—Nick Miller, New York Times, 14 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for prickle
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Noun
Pain might flicker, flash, prickle, drill, lancinate, pinch, cramp, tug, scald, sear, or itch.
—Rivka Galchen, New Yorker, 26 May 2025
After reviewing previous studies and conducting new research, it was found that LOG was associated with prickle growth in approximately 20 species.
—Ben Coxworth, New Atlas, 2 Aug. 2024
Verb
One tower looks like a concrete satellite, another like a Dyson fan, and the tallest is prickled with reflective lights, like the ones that keep airplanes off oil rigs.
—Adriane Quinlan, Curbed, 30 May 2025
Nottingham Forest’s more nervous fans might be feeling a familiar prickling sensation in the back of their minds.
—Nick Miller, New York Times, 14 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for prickle
Cite this Entry
“Prickle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prickle. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
prickle
1 of 2 noun
prick·le
ˈprik-əl 
1
: a small sharp point or a sharp pointed part (as a thorn on a plant) that sticks out
2
: a slight stinging or tingling sensation
prickle
2 of 2 verb
prickled; prickling
ˈprik-(ə-)liŋ
1
: to prick slightly
2
: to cause or feel a slight stinging or tingling sensation
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