Prickly

Pronunciation: /ˈprɪkli/

Definitions of prickly

adjective having or covered with prickles or thorns; causing a tingling or stinging sensation

Example Sentences

A1 The cactus has prickly thorns.

A2 I accidentally touched the prickly surface of the hedgehog.

B1 The texture of the pineapple skin is prickly and rough.

B2 The sea urchin's spines are sharp and prickly to the touch.

C1 The porcupine's prickly quills serve as a defense mechanism against predators.

C2 The prickly sensation of the cactus needles reminded me of the harsh desert environment.

Examples of prickly in a Sentence

formal The cactus had many prickly spines along its stem.

informal Be careful, that plant is prickly to touch.

slang I accidentally brushed against a prickly bush and got scratched.

figurative Her prickly attitude towards others often caused tension in the office.

Grammatical Forms of prickly

• past tense: prickled
• plural: pricklies
• comparative: more prickly
• superlative: most prickly
• present tense: prickles
• future tense: will prickly
• perfect tense: have prickled
• continuous tense: is prickling
• singular: prickly
• positive degree: prickly
• infinitive: to prickle
• gerund: prickling
• participle: prickled

Origin and Evolution of prickly

First Known Use: 1250 year

Language of Origin: Middle English

Story behind the word: The word 'prickly' originated from the Middle English word 'prykel', which came from the Old English word 'pricel' meaning a small pointed object.

Evolution of the word: Over time, the word 'prickly' has retained its original meaning of having sharp points or thorns, but it has also been extended to describe someone who is easily annoyed or irritable.