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

The film examines the prickly relationship between criticism and art, as well as the gamble of meeting your heroes. —Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 16 Apr. 2026

With its coarse, slightly prickly foliage and stems, coneflower (Echinacea) is a staple in deer-resistant plantings. —Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 15 Apr. 2026

In return for the extra nutrient boost, large and prickly squash leaves serve as a living mulch and help to deter animals from browsing on nearby corn and bean plants. —Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 Apr. 2026

Looking back, Garth confirmed that the prickly dynamic eventually manifested between the two women in real life. —Juliana Ukiomogbe, InStyle, 9 Apr. 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