prickle: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Neutral to slightly informal. Common in descriptive and narrative contexts.
Quick answer
What does “prickle” mean?
A small, sharp point or spine, especially on a plant or animal, that causes a slight stinging or tingling sensation upon contact.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A small, sharp point or spine, especially on a plant or animal, that causes a slight stinging or tingling sensation upon contact.
1. The sensation of slight, sharp stings on the skin (e.g., from heat, cold, or emotion). 2. To feel or cause to feel a tingling or stinging sensation.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No major differences in meaning or usage. Spelling is identical.
Connotations
Slight preference in British English for describing natural phenomena (e.g., hedgerows).
Frequency
Equally common in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “prickle” in a Sentence
[Subject: surface/emotion] + prickle + [with sensation] (e.g., His neck prickled with anxiety).[Subject: material/stimulus] + prickle + [Object: body part] (e.g., The label prickled my back).Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “prickle” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The rough wool jumper began to prickle unbearably.
- A sense of déjà vu prickled at the back of her mind.
American English
- His sunburned skin prickled in the dry heat.
- The eerie silence made the hairs on my neck prickle.
adverb
British English
- N/A (The standard adverb is 'prickly', as in 'The fabric felt prickly').
American English
- N/A (The standard adverb is 'prickly', as in 'He reacted prickly').
adjective
British English
- The plant has a prickly stem. (Note: 'prickly' is the adjective form).
American English
- He was in a prickly mood. (Note: 'prickly' is the adjective form).
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rarely used. Potentially metaphorical: 'A prickle of competition emerged.'
Academic
Used in biology/zoology texts to describe physical structures on plants or animals.
Everyday
Common for describing physical sensations from clothing, weather, or emotions.
Technical
Specific term in botany (e.g., 'a prickle is a sharp outgrowth from the epidermis').
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “prickle”
- Using 'prickle' for a deep puncture wound (use 'prick' or 'stab').
- Confusing 'prickle' (small, sharp point) with 'spine' or 'thorn' (which are often larger and part of the plant's structure).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
In botany, they are different. A 'thorn' is a modified branch, a 'spine' is a modified leaf, and a 'prickle' is a sharp outgrowth from the epidermis (like on a rose or blackberry). In everyday language, they are often used interchangeably.
Yes, it's common to describe a slight, sudden emotional sensation as a 'prickle', e.g., 'a prickle of jealousy', 'a prickle of fear'.
A 'prickle' is sharper and more pointed, often slightly painful or irritating. A 'tingle' is a lighter, often pleasant or neutral buzzing sensation, like from carbonated water or excitement.
It's a B2-level word. It's common in descriptive writing and conversation when discussing physical sensations or nature, but less common in formal or technical writing outside specific fields like botany.
A small, sharp point or spine, especially on a plant or animal, that causes a slight stinging or tingling sensation upon contact.
Prickle is usually neutral to slightly informal. common in descriptive and narrative contexts. in register.
Prickle: in British English it is pronounced /ˈprɪk(ə)l/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈprɪk(ə)l/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Prickle of conscience (a slight feeling of guilt).”
- “Make one's skin prickle (cause fear or unease).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a PICKLE that's gone bad – it might have a sharp, PRICKLING taste. Or, a PRICKly needLE = PRICKLE.
Conceptual Metaphor
EMOTION/ATTENTION IS A PHYSICAL SENSATION (e.g., 'A prickle of excitement', 'His warning made my scalp prickle').
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'prickle' used most precisely?