often attributive
1
2
: a woody plant bearing sharp impeding processes (such as prickles or spines)
especially
: hawthorn
3
: something that causes distress or irritation
—often used in the phrase thorn in one's side
4
: the runic letter þ used in Old English and Middle English to represent either of the fricatives \th\ or \t͟h\ and in Icelandic to represent \th\
Examples of thorn in a Sentence
your constant questions are a thorn in my side
Recent Examples on the Web
As many see it, a thorn in the EU's side is that major decisions require unanimity among its members.
—
ABC News, 6 Apr. 2026
While not thorns, these foliar teeth can take a bite out of those who attempt to cross a thicket of torch aloes.
—Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 4 Apr. 2026
The Epstein files have been a thorn in the DOJ leadership’s side for the past year, culminating in a new law that compelled the department to release all unclassified documents, videos, and photos related to Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell.
—David Zimmermann, The Washington Examiner, 3 Apr. 2026
Bondi’s departure follows months of mounting pressure stemming largely from her handling of DOJ’s files on the Jeffrey Epstein investigation, which became a constant thorn in her side.
—Shelby Talcott, semafor.com, 2 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for thorn
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ABC News, 6 Apr. 2026
While not thorns, these foliar teeth can take a bite out of those who attempt to cross a thicket of torch aloes.
—Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 4 Apr. 2026
The Epstein files have been a thorn in the DOJ leadership’s side for the past year, culminating in a new law that compelled the department to release all unclassified documents, videos, and photos related to Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell.
—David Zimmermann, The Washington Examiner, 3 Apr. 2026
Bondi’s departure follows months of mounting pressure stemming largely from her handling of DOJ’s files on the Jeffrey Epstein investigation, which became a constant thorn in her side.
—Shelby Talcott, semafor.com, 2 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for thorn
Cite this Entry
“Thorn.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/thorn. Accessed 6 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
thorn
noun1
: a woody plant bearing sharp processes (as prickles or spines)
especially
: hawthorn
2
: a sharp stiff process on a plant
especially
: a stem modified into a short, stiff, and leafless sharp point
3
: something or someone that causes distress or irritation
—often used in the phrase thorn in one's side
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