prick
Prick (noun) means a small puncture or the sharp sensation caused by one. Example: “She felt the prick of the needle as the nurse drew blood.”
How to use prick
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA small puncture (noun/verb), or a rude insult for an unpleasant person.
The insult sense is vulgar and best avoided in polite or professional contexts.
Word forms
pricked past tense, pricks plural, pricks singular
Etymology
From Old English prica, "a sharp point or tiny mark," of Germanic origin.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for prick
See all rhymes for prick →Frequently asked questions
What does “prick” mean?
The word “prick” means a small puncture or the sharp sensation caused by one. In plain terms, a small puncture (noun/verb), or a rude insult for an unpleasant person.
How do you pronounce “prick”?
“Prick” is pronounced prihk (/pɹɪk/ in IPA).
How do you use “prick” in a sentence?
Here is “prick” used in a sentence: “She felt the prick of the needle as the nurse drew blood.”
What part of speech is “prick”?
Depending on how it is used, “prick” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “prick” come from?
The word “prick” comes from Old English. From Old English prica, "a sharp point or tiny mark," of Germanic origin.
Is “prick” a common word?
“Prick” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “prick” have?
“Prick” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a small puncture or the sharp sensation caused by one.