noun
Uncommon
thorn
thawn
Thorn (noun) means a sharp, hard, pointed growth on a plant stem or branch. Example: “She pricked her finger on a rose thorn while pruning the bush.”
noun
1
A sharp, hard, pointed growth on a plant stem or branch.
"She pricked her finger on a rose thorn while pruning the bush."
"The hedge was thick with thorns, making it a natural barrier."
2
A shrub or small tree known for bearing thorns, especially the hawthorn.
"A row of thorn trees lined the old country lane."
3
Something or someone that repeatedly causes irritation or trouble.
"The noisy neighbor was a constant thorn in his side."
4
An old English letter (Þ, þ) once used to represent the "th" sound, still used in Icelandic today.
"Old English texts use the letter thorn where modern English writes "th.""
verb
1
To pierce or prick with something sharp, as if with a thorn.
"The brambles thorned his arms as he pushed through the undergrowth."
How to use thorn
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA sharp spike on a plant — or, figuratively, a person or problem that keeps causing you grief.
Common mistake
In the phrase "a thorn in someone's side," it always means a persistent annoyance, not a literal injury.
Common pairings
a thorn in your side
prick of a thorn
rose thorn
thorn bush
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Word forms
- Plural
- thorns
- Third person singular
- thorns
- Past tense
- thorned
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
She pricked her finger on a rose _____ while pruning the bush.
Etymology
From Old English þorn, going back to a very old Germanic word for a sharp spike, related to a root meaning "stiff."
Related words
Rhymes for thorn
See all rhymes for 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.
