prick

1 of 2

noun

1
: a mark or shallow hole made by a pointed instrument
2
a
: a pointed instrument or weapon
b
: a sharp projecting organ or part
3
: an instance of pricking or the sensation of being pricked: such as
a
: a nagging or sharp feeling of remorse, regret, or sorrow
b
: a slight sharply localized discomfort
the prick of a needle
4
vulgar : penis
5
slang, vulgar : a spiteful or contemptible man often having some authority

prick

2 of 2

verb

pricked; pricking; pricks

transitive verb

1
: to pierce slightly with a sharp point
2
: to affect with anguish, grief, or remorse
doubt began to prick himPhilip Hale
3
: to ride, guide, or urge on with or as if with spurs : goad
4
: to mark, distinguish, or note by means of a small mark
5
: to trace or outline with punctures
6
: to remove (a young seedling) from the seedbed to another suitable for further growth
usually used with out
7
: to cause to be or stand erect
a dog pricking its ears

intransitive verb

1
a
: to prick something or cause a pricking sensation
b
: to feel discomfort as if from being pricked
2
a
: to urge a horse with the spur
b
: to ride fast
3
: thrust
4
: to become directed upward : point
Phrases
prick up one's ears
: to listen intently

Examples of prick in a Sentence

Noun She felt a prick as the thorn jabbed her foot. He felt the prick of the needle. She felt a prick of jealousy. Verb The nurse pricked my finger and squeezed out a drop of blood. The sharp shells pricked the bottoms of our feet. She was pricked by doubt.
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.
Verb
In the meantime, would-be Norwegian trainers will keep pricking their fingers or earlobes to dial in the right workout intensity—and the rest of us, for now, will keep going with our gut. Alex Hutchinson, Outside Online, 25 Nov. 2024 If pricked by their poisonous spikes, the National Park Service recommends using adhesive tape for removal to prevent them from getting stuck elsewhere on the body. Brandi D. Addison, Austin American-Statesman, 27 Aug. 2024 In postwar California, the Red Light Bandit pricked a governor’s conscience. Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 29 Sep. 2024 During this test, a healthcare provider pricks your skin with a small amount of an allergen. Daniel More, Verywell Health, 19 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for prick 

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English prikke, from Old English prica; akin to Middle Dutch pric prick

First Known Use

Noun

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

Verb

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

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

Dictionary Entries Near prick

Cite this Entry

“Prick.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prick. Accessed 9 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

prick

1 of 2 noun
1
: a mark or small wound made by a pointed instrument
2
: something sharp or pointed
3
: an instance of pricking
4
: the sensation of being pricked

prick

2 of 2 verb
1
: to pierce slightly with a sharp point
2
: to have or cause a feeling of or as if of being pricked
3
: to point forward or upward
the dog's ears pricked up at the sound
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