cocklebur

noun

cock·​le·​bur ˈkä-kəl-ˌbər  ˈkə- 

: any of a genus (Xanthium) of prickly-fruited composite plants

also : one of its stiff-spined fruits

Examples of cocklebur in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

But the fact is, a pair of beagles or even a single hound can be deadly on a rabbit hunt, and the instinct is entwined in their DNA like a cocklebur. —Kyle Wintersteen, Field & Stream, 30 Jan. 2023

The lake’s receding water left behind a crazy plain of sprawling cocklebur fields pocked with silty potholes. —T. Edward Nickens, Field & Stream, 10 Mar. 2020

There amid coons and cocklebur, Charlie maybe harbored regrets. —Rick Montgomery, kansascity, 17 Oct. 2017

Michael Franklin was a cocklebur for the Steers, accounting for 402 Wyatt yards and five touchdowns. —John Henry, star-telegram, 28 Sep. 2017

In addition to switchgrass and American beach grass, look for cocklebur, sea rocket and cottonwood here. —cleveland.com, 11 June 2017

Word History

First Known Use

1804, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

cocklebur

noun

cock·​le·​bur ˈkäk-əl-ˌbər  ˈkək- 

: any of a genus of plants that have prickly fruits and are related to the thistles

also : one of its fruits