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adj

prickly

Prickly (adj) means Covered with small sharp points or thorns. Example: “The prickly cactus was impossible to move without gloves.”

adj
1
Covered with small sharp points or thorns.
"The prickly cactus was impossible to move without gloves."
2
Easily irritated or quick to take offence; touchy.
"He's a bit prickly about criticism of his work."

How to use prickly

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishEither literally covered in sharp points, or figuratively easily annoyed.

Common pairings
a prickly subject prickly personality prickly plant

Word forms

pricklier comparative, more prickly comparative, pricklies plural, prickliest superlative, most prickly superlative

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The _____ cactus was impossible to move without gloves.

Etymology

From prickle + -y.

Rhymes for prickly

See all rhymes for prickly →

Frequently asked questions

What does “prickly” mean?

The word “prickly” means covered with small sharp points or thorns. In plain terms, either literally covered in sharp points, or figuratively easily annoyed.

How do you use “prickly” in a sentence?

Here is “prickly” used in a sentence: “The prickly cactus was impossible to move without gloves.”

What part of speech is “prickly”?

“Prickly” is an adjective.

How many meanings does “prickly” have?

“Prickly” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: covered with small sharp points or thorns.

Definitions: FreeDict original editorial