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

Antioxidant-rich aloe vera and prickly pear extract soothe and protect, making each spritz a sensorial and skin-loving ritual. —Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 28 Apr. 2025

Glycerin and panthenol help smooth and soften, while plant extracts like prickly pear support healthy-looking texture and shine. —Malia Griggs, Glamour, 24 Apr. 2025

Lead by the restorative properties of prickly pear oil, this rich mask helps restore the hair shaft, improve split ends, and achieve overall healthier hair. —Jenny Berg, Vogue, 26 Apr. 2025

At McKinney Falls, guests can see wildflowers such as prickly pears, brown-eyed Susans, and, of course, bluebonnets. —Mae Hamilton, AFAR Media, 25 Mar. 2025

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