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

New York City sanitation workers say their job has been pricklier than usual after the Department of Sanitation reported an increase in needle stick injuries. — Noelle Lilley, CBS News, 21 Aug. 2026

Santa Cruz teen lifeguard Ryder Williams got a close-up view of the president’s prickly relationship with the press during a White House visit Monday. — Bay Area News Group, Mercury News, 19 Aug. 2026

The California Native Plant Society says the prickly bunchgrass’ stalks grow up to 3 feet. — Ariane Lange, Sacbee.com, 18 Aug. 2026

The spiny, prickly leaves of Oregon grape holly start bronze-red in the spring, then turn green and become purple-red in the winter. — Nadia Hassani, The Spruce, 13 Aug. 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