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
3
a
: troublesome, vexatious
prickly issues
b
: easily irritated
had a prickly disposition
prickliness
noun
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
Camille Cottin is a standout as prickly, voluble talent agent Andréa Martel, but the whole cast intermingles with enough chemistry and charm to make this one of the best workplace comedies of the last decade.
—
Taylor Antrim, Vogue, 31 Jan. 2025
Old news, perhaps, but among Bayern’s transfer targets is — inevitably — Wirtz, which would involve a prickly negotiation.
—The Athletic Uk Staff, The Athletic, 24 Jan. 2025
No, California didn't block firetrucks:California didn't block trucks from Oregon over emissions rules | Fact check
Residents ponder whether to rebuild or walk away
The fires have left residents with the prickly decision of whether or not to rebuild.
—John Bacon, USA TODAY, 20 Jan. 2025
The cast does commendable work bringing their characters to life: Ashe’s Elham is ferocious, prickly, and competitive; Tabbal’s Omid is lovable but too good; Lalezarzadeh’s Goli is young, bright-eyed, yet wise; Pooya’s Roya is queenly, imposing, and devoted.
—Christian Lewis, Variety, 24 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for prickly 
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Taylor Antrim, Vogue, 31 Jan. 2025
Old news, perhaps, but among Bayern’s transfer targets is — inevitably — Wirtz, which would involve a prickly negotiation.
—The Athletic Uk Staff, The Athletic, 24 Jan. 2025
No, California didn't block firetrucks:California didn't block trucks from Oregon over emissions rules | Fact check
Residents ponder whether to rebuild or walk away
The fires have left residents with the prickly decision of whether or not to rebuild.
—John Bacon, USA TODAY, 20 Jan. 2025
The cast does commendable work bringing their characters to life: Ashe’s Elham is ferocious, prickly, and competitive; Tabbal’s Omid is lovable but too good; Lalezarzadeh’s Goli is young, bright-eyed, yet wise; Pooya’s Roya is queenly, imposing, and devoted.
—Christian Lewis, Variety, 24 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for prickly
Dictionary Entries Near prickly
Cite this Entry
“Prickly.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prickly. Accessed 21 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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
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