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

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."

A shrub or small tree known for bearing thorns, especially the hawthorn.

"A row of thorn trees lined the old country lane."

Something or someone that repeatedly causes irritation or trouble.

"The noisy neighbor was a constant thorn in his side."

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

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 notes

In 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

Word forms

thorned past tense, thorns plural, thorns singular

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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."

Origin: Old English

Synonyms

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sticker spine prickle pricker irritant spikelet

Related words

back label tag ridge sticker prick pest backbone

Rhymes for thorn

SORN born torn worn horn porn corn Zorn morn Dorn sworn scorn

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.

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back label tag ridge sticker prick pest backbone