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
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
Rivka Galchen, New Yorker, 26 May 2025
Researchers at Cornell University, meanwhile, eradicated prickles in an Australian fruit plant known as the desert raisin.
—Ben Coxworth, New Atlas, 2 Aug. 2024
Bon Appétit Staff & Contributors, Bon Appetit Magazine, 20 Aug. 2025
Jakobus speaks in an Old World dialect, Pilsner, delivering brisk herbal aromas, hints of fresh levain bread and a prickling hop bitterness.
—Peter Rowe, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for prickle
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Noun
Pain might flicker, flash, prickle, drill, lancinate, pinch, cramp, tug, scald, sear, or itch.
—Rivka Galchen, New Yorker, 26 May 2025
Researchers at Cornell University, meanwhile, eradicated prickles in an Australian fruit plant known as the desert raisin.
—Ben Coxworth, New Atlas, 2 Aug. 2024
Verb
Whitefish salad prickling with chile and festooned with great tufts of cilantro.
—Bon Appétit Staff & Contributors, Bon Appetit Magazine, 20 Aug. 2025
Jakobus speaks in an Old World dialect, Pilsner, delivering brisk herbal aromas, hints of fresh levain bread and a prickling hop bitterness.
—Peter Rowe, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for prickle
Cite this Entry
“Prickle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prickle. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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
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