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)

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

/ 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 Word Forms

• unprickled 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 wind creates a thousand prickles against my skin.

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The back of her neck prickled at the thought.

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

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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.

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Cold fear prickled the back of her neck.

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