prickly

adjective

prick·​ly ˈpri-k(ə-)lē 

pricklier; prickliest

1

: full of or covered with prickles

especially : distinguished from related kinds by the presence of prickles

2

: marked by prickling : stinging

a prickly sensation

3

a

: troublesome, vexatious

prickly issues

b

: easily irritated

had a prickly disposition

prickliness noun

Synonyms

• irritating
• itchy
• scratchy

Examples of prickly in a Sentence

The plant's leaves are prickly.

she tried to ignore the feel of the prickly grass against her skin

Recent Examples on the Web

The designer teased that there will be sultry, body-hugging looks with prickly prints and comfy, padded pieces. —Tianwei Zhang, WWD, 25 Mar. 2025

Zegler brings a fresh, prickly energy to the timeless character. —Staff Author, EW.com, 22 Mar. 2025

But this race also touches the prickliest national political issues. —The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 18 Mar. 2025

Animals have evolved many different ways of protecting themselves, from prickly quills and razor-sharp teeth to clever camouflage and sturdy shells. —Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 11 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1578, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing prickly

• prickly ash
• prickly heat
• prickly pear
• prickly pear cactus
• prickly pear fruit
• prickly poppy

Rhymes for prickly

• quickly
• sickly
• thickly

Kids Definition

prickly

adjective

prick·​ly ˈprik-lē 

-ə-lē

pricklier; prickliest

1

: full of or covered with prickles

prickly plants

2

: marked by slight stinging or tingling

a prickly sensation

prickliness noun