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

• irritating
• itchy
• scratchy

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

Boselli and his teammates, coached by prickly taskmaster Tom Coughlin, saw it differently. —Michael Silver, New York Times, 29 Apr. 2025

There’s the prickly one sporting a spiked collar and the wannabe cowboy twirling a lasso. —Ariel Bleicher, Quanta Magazine, 16 Apr. 2025

Lawrence will play Judge Stone, a former prosecutor known for his prickly attitude and tough sentencing. —Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 11 Apr. 2025

Our band, too, found ourselves on a prickly path to one of the most revered venues in the country. —Ryan Miller, The Atlantic, 10 Apr. 2025

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