often attributive
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\
thorned adjective
thornless adjective
thornlike adjective

Examples of thorn in a Sentence

your constant questions are a thorn in my side
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The Entity’s human helper Gabriel (Esai Morales) becomes more of a thorn in Ethan’s side and our heroes scatter to London, South Africa and the Arctic on a mission that would be rather impossible for anyone not named Tom Cruise. Brian Truitt, USA Today, 15 May 2025 Roses Landscape roses add no-fuss color and charm to your garden, but the thorns are not especially charming. Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 7 May 2025 Still, the humble thorn forest has garnered a lot of interest from young visitors. Laura Mallonee, Wired News, 12 Apr. 2025 For fall 2025, Oude Waag designer Jingwei Yin fixated on the concept of symbiosis between thorns and soft cotton. Tianwei Zhang, Footwear News, 1 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for thorn

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of thorn was before the 12th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Thorn.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/thorn. Accessed 28 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

thorn

noun
1
: a woody plant bearing sharp processes (as prickles or spines)
especially : hawthorn
2
: a sharp stiff process on a plant
especially : a stem modified into a short, stiff, and leafless sharp point
3
: something or someone that causes distress or irritation
often used in the phrase thorn in one's side
thorned adjective
thornless adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on thorn

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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