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

Field’s Tova is a prickly sort. —ABC News, 7 May 2026

Cats, for example, tend to avoid digging in areas covered with uneven, prickly materials. —Jessica Safavimehr, Southern Living, 6 May 2026

Longtime host and executive producer Jeff Probst has previously had a prickly relationship with the podcaster, who has not shied away from critiquing his favorite show over the years. —Anthony Robledo, USA Today, 6 May 2026

Meryl Streep‘s Miranda Priestly has always resisted easy categorization, as a prickly boss whose foundation is ultimately much more understanding. —Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 2 May 2026

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