thistle

noun

this·​tle ˈthi-səl 

plural thistles

1

: any of various composite (see composite entry 1 sense 1b) flowering plants (especially genera Carduus, Cirsium, and Onopordum) that have prickles on their leaves and sometimes on their stems and often have showy heads of tubular, usually purple flowers

also : any of various other prickly plants

2

often thistle seed plural thistle seeds : the small black seed of a tropical African herbaceous plant (Guizotia abyssinica) used especially as a source of oil and for bird feed

thistly

ˈthi-s(ə-)lē 

adjective

Illustration of thistle

Examples of thistle in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Artichoke Hearts Artichokes, which have about 4.9 grams of protein per cup, are members of the thistle family. —Nancy Lebrun, Verywell Health, 11 Oct. 2024

The popular serum features 22 plant extracts, including turmeric, which reduces visible signs of aging, sea buckthorn, which fights skin-aging free radicals, Mary’s thistle, which provides nourishment, oat, which tightens, and aloe vera, which soothes. —Ali Faccenda, Peoplemag, 18 Sep. 2024

Scottish Thistle Fire Brazier (Belleville): Fire brazier made to look like the flower of a thistle. —Claire Reid, Journal Sentinel, 19 Sep. 2024

Nyjer, advertised as thistle seed in some brands, is ideal for finches, Yoerger said. —Karl Schneider, The Indianapolis Star, 9 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English thistel, from Old English; akin to Old High German distill thistle

First Known Use

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

Phrases Containing thistle

• bull thistle
• Canada thistle
• globe thistle
• milk thistle
• musk thistle
• Russian thistle
• sow thistle
• star thistle
• thistle tube

Kids Definition

thistle

noun

this·​tle ˈthis-əl 

: any of various prickly plants related to the daisies and having often showy heads of mostly tubular flowers

thistly

ˈthis-(ə-)lē 

adjective