nettle

[net-l]

noun

1. any plant of the genus Urtica, covered with stinging hairs.

2. any of various allied or similar plants.

verb (used with object)

nettled, nettling 

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. to attempt or approach something with boldness and courage

verb

1. to bother; irritate

2. to sting as a nettle does

Other Word Forms

• nettly adjective
• nettle-like adjective
• nettlelike adjective
• nettler noun
• unnettled 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, to undertake or tackle an unpleasant task.

Example Sentences

In the midst of a mass – or "smack" – of Pacific sea nettles, Mr Pace coated any skin not covered by his wetsuit with petroleum jelly to protect himself from stings.

From BBC

When questioned why he did that, he said: "The grass had been cut and there were nettles. But I know that's no excuse."

From BBC

Leafy greens and herbs: arugula, spinach, beet greens, mustard greens, radish tops, kale, dandelion, nasturtiums, fennel fronds, nettles, lovage, microgreens.

From Salon

But he said not much had happened since because politicians were too afraid to grasp the nettle.

From BBC

He said the government would "finally grasp the nettle on social care reform" but that it "would take time" to devise a model fit for the future.

From BBC