prick
noun
a puncture made by a needle, thorn, or the like.
pricked
-
past participleof prick.past participle
A verb form used in perfect and passive verb constructions and that can also function as a modifier.
-
past tense formof prick.past tense
Used to describe completed actions or previous habitual actions.
pricknouna puncture made by a needle, thorn, or the like.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Indonesian villager Octavius wades through the forest in rubber boots and tattered joggers, ears pricked, eyes peeled, a telephoto lens on his phone primed to capture orangutans, monkeys or birds.
From Barron's ● Sep. 17, 2026
I was more nervous about opening up my medical records to a chatbot than getting my arm pricked.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Apr. 4, 2026
I clenched my teeth, aimed the flat triangular needle, and pricked again.
From Slate ● May 28, 2025
"Even coming up the hill, he heard the crowd and pricked his ears - he had loads left."
From BBC ● Mar. 13, 2025
Without a word, he pricked his finger and held it above the bowl.
From "When the Sea Turned to Silver" by Grace Lin
