prickly pear

noun

1
or prickly pear cactus : opuntia
especially : an opuntia with flattened, usually paddle-shaped, jointed stem segments compare cholla, nopal
2
or prickly pear fruit : the pulpy, pear- or egg-shaped, edible, yellow to purplish-red fruit of various prickly pears (such as Opuntia ficus-indica) see tuna entry 2

Illustration of prickly pear

Illustration of prickly pear
  • prickly pear 1

Examples of prickly pear in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Pair a true-to-Tempe prickly pear margarita with an unforgettable golden hour, and toast your good fortune for having taken full advantage of the temptations of Tempe. By sunset, Sunset Magazine, 10 Oct. 2023 The spicy mango prickly pear version was praised — and showered with exclamation points — for its spice-forward flavor. Adam Tschorn, Los Angeles Times, 3 Aug. 2023 Or target dry skin with an exfoliating Prickly Pear Renewal treatment (a body polish, followed by a hydrating prickly pear oil massage). Kate Donnelly, Forbes, 17 July 2023 Give the prickly pear horchata a try, or opt for the Horchata Carlota, named after a Mexican dessert made with cookies and lime. Eat Drink D-FW The latest food and drink reviews, recipes and info on the D-FW food scene. Imelda García, Dallas News, 8 June 2023 The ultra-lightweight cream is formulated with antioxidant-rich dragon fruit extract, softening prickly pear seed oil, and shine-boosting meadowfoam seed oil. Rebecca Norris, Peoplemag, 4 Oct. 2023 Also known as the prickly pear cactus, the nopal cactus has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties — both of which can be useful for anyone who frequently travels or is in need of a reset. Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 26 Aug. 2023 It’s formulated with intensely hydrating prickly pear extract, which is rich in omega fatty acids to ultimately make hair look flawless. Rebecca Norris, Peoplemag, 4 Oct. 2023 Specialty cocktail offerings include the Doves & Devils Margarita ($55) made with pomegranate, prickly pear and Mexican lime and topped with a cardamom-ginger foam tableside. Bailey Schulz, USA TODAY, 28 Aug. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'prickly pear.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1696, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of prickly pear was in 1696

Dictionary Entries Near prickly pear

Cite this Entry

“Prickly pear.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prickly%20pear. Accessed 8 Dec. 2023.

Kids Definition

prickly pear

noun
1
: any of numerous cacti with spines and usually flat stem segments
2
: the pear-shaped sweet edible pulpy fruit of a prickly pear

More from Merriam-Webster on prickly pear

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