prickle

1 of 2

noun

prick·​le ˈpri-kəl 

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

prickle

2 of 2

verb

prickled; prickling ˈpri-k(ə-)liŋ 

transitive verb

1

: to prick slightly

2

: to produce prickles in

intransitive verb

: to cause or feel a prickling, tingling, or stinging 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

Noun

The prickles can also nick the skin, causing irritation. —Miri Talabac, Baltimore Sun, 11 July 2024

The guitar riff prickles nervously; the melody pleads in the manner of a hungry pet; Parton sings, in a trembling tone, about the woman who could and very well might take her man. —Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 29 Mar. 2024

Verb

Then more debilitating symptoms appeared — including blurred vision, headache, tinnitus, nausea and more — before the tingling and prickling sensations reached her legs. —Julia Marnin, Miami Herald, 14 May 2024

Despite all his years of training and the bitter cold inside the suit, his palms prickled with sweat; his heart quickened. —Adam Higginbotham, Smithsonian Magazine, 8 May 2024

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English prikle, from Old English pricle; akin to Old English prica prick

First Known Use

Noun

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

circa 1522, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Kids 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