prickle

American  

[prik-uhl] / ˈprɪk əl /

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.

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verb (used with object)

prickled, prickling

1. to prick lightly.

2. to cause a pricking or tingling sensation in.

verb (used without object)

prickled, prickling

1. to tingle as if pricked.

prickle British  

/ 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

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verb

1. to feel or cause to feel a stinging sensation

2. (tr) to prick, as with a thorn

Other Word Forms

• unprickled adjective

Etymology

Origin of prickle

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

Example Sentences

The wind creates a thousand prickles against my skin.

From Literature

The back of her neck prickled at the thought.

From Literature

Penelope felt goose bumps prickle on the back of her neck.

From Literature

Cold fear prickled the back of her neck.

From Literature

The sun rose higher and prickled his skin.

From Literature