thorn

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noun, often attributive \ ˈthȯrn \

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 \-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

Ukrainska Pravda was long a thorn in the side of Ukraine’s corruption-ridden elite.

— dmytro vlasov, The Seattle Times, "Year after reporter killed in Ukraine, no progress in probe," 20 July 2017
His fellow Kentucky Republican, Sen. Rand Paul, was a constant thorn and the most vociferous opponent of McConnell’s effort.

— alan fram, The Courier-Journal, "Crumbling health bill dents McConnell image as top tactician," 19 July 2017
Ervin designed hers, with a crown of thorns inside a white gold band connected to rose gold fleur-de-lis cross.

— ann zaniewski, charlotteobserver, "Married to Jesus: Women make lifelong virginity pledge," 5 July 2017
Ervin designed hers, with a crown of thorns inside a white gold band connected to rose gold fleur-de-lis cross.

— ann zaniewski, charlotteobserver, "Married to Jesus: Women make lifelong virginity pledge," 5 July 2017
In urban settings deer often eat rose shrubs, somehow avoiding mouth injury from the thorns.

— margaret lauterbach, idahostatesman, "Start perennials from seed now and save on your gardening costs," 5 July 2017
The rule has been a longtime thorn in the side of Utah’s restaurant industry, which has complained that the barriers can be ugly and awkward, and point out that children can still see customers drinking alcohol.

— michelle l. price, The Seattle Times, "Prices rise, partitions fall under new Utah liquor law," 1 July 2017
The rule has been a longtime thorn in the side of Utah’s restaurant industry, which has complained that the barriers can be ugly and awkward, and point out that children can still see customers drinking alcohol.

— Washington Post, "Prices rise, partitions fall under new Utah liquor law," 1 July 2017
Affected plants have stunted, clubby stems with multitudes of vicious thorns.

— neil sperry, star-telegram.com, "Think July is a dead time for gardening? Not necessarily, as this to-do list shows," 29 June 2017

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.

Origin and Etymology of thorn

Middle English, from Old English; akin to Old High German dorn thorn, Sanskrit tṛṇa grass, blade of grass

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: before 12th century

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thorn Synonyms

Synonyms

aggravation, aggro [British], bother, botheration, bugbear, exasperation, frustration, hair shirt, hassle, headache, inconvenience, irk, irritant, nuisance, peeve, pest, rub, ruffle, annoyance, trial, vexation

Related Words

discomfort, fleabite, pinprick; affront, insult, offense (or offence); upset, worry; affliction, albatross, burden, cross, curse, menace, millstone, plague, sore; anxiety, plight, predicament, tribulation, trouble; hang-up, pet peeve, problem; annoyer, disturber, harasser, mischief, offender; pandora's box

Near Antonyms

delight, joy, pleasure

THORN Defined for Kids

thorn

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noun \ ˈthȯrn \

Definition of thorn for Students

1 :a hard sharp leafless point on the stem or branch of a plant (as a rose bush)

2 :a bush or tree that has thorns

Learn More about thorn

See words that rhyme with thorn Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for thorn Spanish Central: Translation of thorn Nglish: Translation of thorn for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of thorn for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about thorn

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Definition of thorn

thorned

thornless

thornlike

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Origin and Etymology of thorn

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