thorn
6 synonyms and 0 antonyms for thorn, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A sharp, hard, pointed growth on a plant stem or branch.
Synonyms
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use thorn
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old English þorn, going back to a very old Germanic word for a sharp spike, related to a root meaning "stiff."
Full origin of thorn →Frequently asked questions
What does “thorn” mean?
The word “thorn” means a sharp, hard, pointed growth on a plant stem or branch. In plain terms, a sharp spike on a plant — or, figuratively, a person or problem that keeps causing you grief.
How do you pronounce “thorn”?
“Thorn” is pronounced thawn (/θoɹn/ in IPA).
How do you use “thorn” in a sentence?
Here is “thorn” used in a sentence: “She pricked her finger on a rose thorn while pruning the bush.”
What part of speech is “thorn”?
Depending on how it is used, “thorn” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “thorn” come from?
The word “thorn” comes from Old English. From Old English þorn, going back to a very old Germanic word for a sharp spike, related to a root meaning "stiff.".
Is “thorn” a common word?
“Thorn” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “thorn” have?
“Thorn” has 5 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a sharp, hard, pointed growth on a plant stem or branch.