nettle

[ net-l ]

noun

1. any plant of the genus Urtica, covered with stinging hairs. Compare nettle family.
2. any of various allied or similar plants.

verb (used with object)

, net·tled, net·tling.

1. to irritate, annoy, or provoke.
2. to sting as a nettle does.

nettle

/ ˈnɛtəl /

noun

1. any weedy plant of the temperate urticaceous genus Urtica, such as U. dioica ( stinging nettle ), having serrated leaves with stinging hairs and greenish flowers
2. any of various other urticaceous plants with stinging hairs or spines
3. any of various plants that resemble urticaceous nettles, such as the dead-nettle, hemp nettle, and horse nettle
4. grasp the nettle
   to attempt or approach something with boldness and courage

verb

1. to bother; irritate
2. to sting as a nettle does

Derived Forms

• ˈnettly, adjective
• ˈnettle-ˌlike, adjective

Other Words From

• nettle·like adjective
• nettler noun
• nettly adjective
• un·nettled adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of nettle¹

before 900; Middle English; Old English netele (noun); cognate with Dutch netel, German Nessel, Norwegian netla

Word History and Origins

Origin of nettle¹

Old English netele; related to Old High German nazza (German Nessel )

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. grasp the nettle, Australian. to undertake or tackle an unpleasant task.

Example Sentences

General exclamations of surprise and doubt greeted him from our little circle, and this seemed to nettle him somewhat.

From Project Gutenberg

A curious dark blue dead-nettle (Dracocephalum speciosum) was found on dry ground at the same altitude.

From Project Gutenberg

"Not a word," said Neeld, grasping the nettle firmly this time.

From Project Gutenberg

The Nettle needs no introduction; we are all too well acquainted with it, yet it is not altogether a weed to be despised.

From Project Gutenberg

Indeed, the temper of our eminently serene will feel the strain of a doldrum-dulness that is goaded to activity by a nettle.

From Project Gutenberg