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 of prickly

• irritating

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

Almost 30 years after the original novel’s publication, Maguire told the story of prickly young Elphie — the future Wicked Witch of the West. —Lydia Patrick, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Nov. 2025

Perfidia is a contradiction nestled in thorns, selfish and prickly and bold. —Angelica Jade Bastién, Vulture, 24 Nov. 2025

The prequel traces the origins of Haymitch Abernathy, the prickly District 12 mentor played by Woody Harrelson in the original films. —Allison Degrushe, Entertainment Weekly, 20 Nov. 2025

The gray sort of maybe sometimes prickly area in between. —Mike Ryan, IndieWire, 20 Nov. 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