Definition of prickle
2
: a prickling or tingling sensation
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Examples of prickle in a Sentence
She felt a prickle of fear as the stranger came closer to her.
He felt the familiar prickle of excitement as the game began.
Recent Examples of prickle from the Web
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House Republicans in particular prickle at the notion of approving Obamacare subsidies.
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Steel, wire and splintered wood prickle from broken buildings in fantastic shapes: spikes, ruffles, fanfolds of tin and aluminum.
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Suddenly every sound and motion made my skin prickle and pulse.
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But Nixon's men grew up in a denser geography of ethnic difference, full of prickles and thorns.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'prickle.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Origin and Etymology of prickle
Middle English prikle, from Old English pricle; akin to Old English prica prick
NEW! Time Traveler
First Known Use: 15th century
in the meaning defined at sense 1
See Words from the same yearExamples of prickle in a Sentence
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 of prickle from the Web
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The novels are prickled like a sea urchin with the spines and fuzz of many indecencies.
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Needles of terror prickled at the edges of the fairy-tale day in a post-Brexit kingdom.
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The laser felt like tiny needles quickly prickling my skin and was somewhat uncomfortable, but not exactly painful.
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My skin prickled with little tugs, like stitches being ripped out.
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Last night, temperatures were so low the wind prickled like a cactus, but a lucky few were offered respite inside the Marlo Laz launch dinner.
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African species – a favorite food of giraffes – form menacing thorns while the Australian wattles are much friendlier (and prickle free).
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Photos of Atlanta strippers picking up singles on their hands and knees prickle with shame that these women have few other economic opportunities.
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But the sense most people notice first is smell—the scent of old books prickling your nose.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'prickle.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
First Known Use of prickle
circa 1522
PRICKLE Defined for English Language Learners
Definition of prickle for English Language Learners
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: one of usually many stiff, sharp points that grow on some plants
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: a slight, sharp feeling of an emotion
prickle
Definition of prickle for English Language Learners
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: to cause or experience an unpleasant feeling that is like the feeling of having many small, sharp points against your skin
PRICKLE Defined for Kids
Definition of prickle for Students
1
: a small sharp point (as a thorn)
2
: a slight stinging pain
Learn More about prickle
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See words that rhyme with prickle Spanish Central: Translation of prickle Nglish: Translation of prickle for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of prickle for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about prickle
Seen and Heard
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