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

• prickly pear 1

Examples of prickly pear in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Set the scene Along dusty roads bordered by prickly pears, Kissamos’ taxi drivers roll down windows. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Apr. 2026

Other local delicacies include mostarda—a sweet and spicy prickly pear jelly—and the savory scacciata, a flatbread filled with ingredients like vegetables, cheese, anchovies, and sausage. —Erica Firpo, Travel + Leisure, 21 Apr. 2026

During your visit, keep an eye close to the ground to spot spider antelope horn, prairie ragwort, and even prickly pear cactus. —Erika Ebsworth-Goold, Midwest Living, 20 Apr. 2026

Though offerings shift, look for a summer-classic watermelon gose, prickly pear sour, and even a dill sour ale infused with brine and pickles. —Chris Malloy, Bon Appetit Magazine, 14 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1696, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for prickly pear

• aftercare
• anywhere
• billionaire
• chinaware
• debonair
• dinnerware
• disrepair
• doctrinaire
• earthenware
• everywhere
• frigidaire
• kitchenware

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