thorn

noun, often attributive \ ˈthȯrn \

|Updated on: 7 Aug 2018

Definition of thorn

1 a : a sharp rigid process on a plant; especially : one that is a short, indurated, sharp-pointed, and leafless modified stem — compare prickle, spine

b : any of various sharp spinose structures on an animal

2 : a woody plant bearing sharp impeding processes (such as prickles or spines); especially : hawthorn

3 : something that causes distress or irritation —often used in the phrase thorn in one's side

4 : the runic letter þ used in Old English and Middle English to represent either of the fricatives \th\ or \t͟h\ and in Icelandic to represent \th\

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thorned

play \ˈthȯrnd\ adjective

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thornless

play \ˈthȯrn-ləs\ adjective

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thornlike

play \ˈthȯrn-ˌlīk\ adjective

See thorn defined for English-language learners

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Examples of thorn in a Sentence

your constant questions are a thorn in my side

Recent Examples of thorn from the Web

Matt Sanderson, the leader of the political action committee that had been a thorn in the BCS’s side for two years, celebrated the chaos.

— ross dellenger, SI.com, "Did the LSU-Alabama Rematch Really Kill the BCS?," 10 July 2018
The original Hawthorn thorn is said to have been planted by Joseph of Arimathea — the owner of the tomb where Jesus Christ's body lay from Good Friday until Easter.

— peter marteka, Courant Community, "Glastonbury Planning A Historical Milestone," 23 June 2018
Although the Champions League thorn remains on their side along with the unclear nature of Massimiliano Allegri’s status, Juventus continues to be the model club in Italy until someone else steps up.

— juan pimiento, chicagotribune.com, "Barcelona's perfect run ends, Liverpool finish top four and the best of the soccer weekend," 13 May 2018
Nopales are cactus: the big flat green paddles, without the thorns, of course.

— polly campbell, Cincinnati.com, "Cincy-Cinco will turn Cincinnati into Tacopolis to celebrate their quinceañera," 2 May 2018
Maya, who has long been a thorn in the side of town officials, contends Leonard and Bruder are part of a four-person alliance that dominates the council and Town Hall.

— andres viglucci, miamiherald, "He fought Town Hall, challenged the mayor and lost. Then his home got cited. Twice. | Miami Herald," 19 Apr. 2018
However, Pickford once again proved to be the thorn in Burnley's side as a powerful header from Ben Mee was superbly tipped away from goal.

— SI.com, "Spirited Burnley Comes From Behind to Punish Everton," 3 Mar. 2018
The Samba stars were on their way to winning the trophy for the fifth time, but Belgium proved a thorn in their side for over an hour before succumbing in Kobe.

— SI.com, "World Cup Preview: Brazil vs Belgium - Previous Meeting, Team News, Predictions & More," 5 July 2018
Lance Stephenson has done his best to be a thorn in LeBron James' side for years.

— dave clark, Cincinnati.com, "Lance Stephenson, LeBron James are Lakers teammates, per report," 2 July 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'thorn.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.