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 book’s art director, Rita Marshall, had long admired Mr. Holland’s work, but she was put off by his famously prickly persona. —Penelope Green, New York Times, 14 Apr. 2025

Comments The handsome, prickly, and soulful Val Kilmer died from pneumonia on Tuesday after an 11-year struggle with throat cancer. —Randall Colburn, EW.com, 2 Apr. 2025

Mimi’s is owned by the somewhat prickly Augusta, or Gus Moore, played by Wendie Malick. —Rebecca Angel Baer, Southern Living, 30 Mar. 2025

Researchers concluded that orcas in the Gulf of Mexico may be preying on prickly sharks as a result of fishing activity, which has led to a dearth of top predators in the area. —Brendan Rascius, Miami Herald, 25 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