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
The spirit of the endeavor can forgive a lot, with some clumsy filmmaking that doesn’t seem to be an intentional homage, such as a slapdash set-up to Helen’s murderous ways and a slightly tacked-on feeling opening involving a film critic who has been a thorn in Jack’s side.
—
Stephen Saito, Variety, 15 Mar. 2026
Get Tough Purchase ones made from cowhide, goatskin, or pigskin leather or abrasion-resistant canvas that will be harder for thorns to penetrate.
—Libby Monteith Minor, Southern Living, 14 Mar. 2026
These thorns, known as dendrites, have been difficult to study and understand – until now.
—New Atlas, 13 Mar. 2026
According to Fried, songbirds especially like this tree's fruit, which is reminiscent of blackberries but without the seeds or thorns.
—Sj McShane, Martha Stewart, 11 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for thorn
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Stephen Saito, Variety, 15 Mar. 2026
Get Tough Purchase ones made from cowhide, goatskin, or pigskin leather or abrasion-resistant canvas that will be harder for thorns to penetrate.
—Libby Monteith Minor, Southern Living, 14 Mar. 2026
These thorns, known as dendrites, have been difficult to study and understand – until now.
—New Atlas, 13 Mar. 2026
According to Fried, songbirds especially like this tree's fruit, which is reminiscent of blackberries but without the seeds or thorns.
—Sj McShane, Martha Stewart, 11 Mar. 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 20 Mar. 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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