prickle

[ prik-uhl ]

noun

1. a sharp point.
2. a small, pointed process growing from the bark of a plant.
3. a sharp process or projection, as from the skin of an animal; a spine.
4. a pricking sensation.

verb (used with object)

, prick·led, prick·ling.

1. to prick lightly.
2. to cause a pricking or tingling sensation in.

verb (used without object)

, prick·led, prick·ling.

1. to tingle as if pricked.

prickle

/ ˈprɪkəl /

noun

1. botany a pointed process arising from the outer layer of a stem, leaf, etc, and containing no woody or conducting tissue Compare thorn
2. a pricking or stinging sensation

verb

1. to feel or cause to feel a stinging sensation
2. tr to prick, as with a thorn

Other Words From

• un·prickled adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of prickle¹

before 950; Middle English prykel (noun), Old English pricel. See prick, -le

Word History and Origins

Origin of prickle¹

Old English pricel; related to Middle Low German prekel, German Prickel

Example Sentences

The former president denied he had "recalibrated" his campaign to challenge Ms Harris instead of Mr Biden, and he appeared to prickle when asked about the audience Ms Harris draws at rallies.

From BBC

Wearing a necklace with her name in Hebrew, Charlotte then used a tool to prickle the dough with small holes, picked up the flattened disc and placed it by the others waiting to be baked into matzo and eventually eaten.

From Seattle Times

A prickle of sadness rushed through Ella.

From Literature

A prickle of excitement ran up Razi’s spine.

From Literature

Some scientists have actually studied all of this and failed to find any relationship between woolly bear prickle patterns and the severity of oncoming weather—although Marshall cautions that most of this work has been more tongue-in-cheek than serious.

From National Geographic