thistle

noun

this·​tle ˈthi-səl 

plural thistles

1

: any of various composite (see composite entry 1 sense 1b) flowering plants (especially genera Carduus, Cirsium, and Onopordum) that have prickles on their leaves and sometimes on their stems and often have showy heads of tubular, usually purple flowers

also : any of various other prickly plants

2

often thistle seed plural thistle seeds : the small black seed of a tropical African herbaceous plant (Guizotia abyssinica) used especially as a source of oil and for bird feed

thistly

ˈthi-s(ə-)lē 

adjective

Illustration of thistle

Examples of thistle in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The thistle is the national emblem of Scotland and has been since 1882, Tatler reported. — Rachel Burchfield, InStyle, 2 July 2026

In a subtle nod to her heritage, Scotland’s national flower, the thistle, is a recurring motif—found on the in-suite carpets designed by Karen Lund, the light boxes which illuminate the restaurant, and in 15 delicate ceramics by local artist Hiiri, hidden throughout the hotel. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 25 June 2026

Points for going in a brave direction color-wise — and for the lovely little purple thistle detail on the back. — Ashley Fetters Maloy, Washington Post, 16 June 2026

Perennial weeds include dandelions, burdock, thistle and plantains while Queen Anne’s lace and garlic mustard are some biennial ones. — Dawn Pettinelli, Hartford Courant, 13 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English thistel, from Old English; akin to Old High German distill thistle

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing thistle

• bull thistle
• Canada thistle
• globe thistle
• milk thistle
• musk thistle
• Russian thistle
• sow thistle
• star thistle
• thistle tube

Rhymes for thistle

• abyssal
• dismissal
• epistle
• bristle
• fissile
• gristle
• missal
• missile
• nissl
• whistle

Kids Definition

thistle

noun

this·​tle ˈthis-əl 

: any of various prickly plants related to the daisies and having often showy heads of mostly tubular flowers

thistly

ˈthis-(ə-)lē 

adjective