prick
prihk
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.”
noun
1
A small puncture or the sharp sensation caused by one.
"She felt the prick of the needle as the nurse drew blood."
"I barely noticed the prick of the thorn as I picked the roses."
"The tiny prick on his arm was the only sign of the injection."
2
(vulgar, informal) An unpleasant, rude, or annoying person.
"He was being a total prick to the waiter for no reason."
verb
1
To pierce something slightly with a sharp point.
"She pricked her finger while sewing the hem."
"Be careful not to prick the balloon with your fork."
"The nurse will prick your thumb to take a tiny drop of blood."
How to use prick
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA small puncture (noun/verb), or a rude insult for an unpleasant person.
When to use it
The insult sense is vulgar and best avoided in polite or professional contexts.
Common pairings
prick your finger
a prick of conscience
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Word forms
- Plural
- pricks
- Third person singular
- pricks
- Past tense
- pricked
Etymology
From Old English prica, "a sharp point or tiny mark," of Germanic origin.
Synonyms
View more →Related words
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.
