thistle

noun

this·​tle ˈthi-səl How to pronounce thistle (audio)
: any of various prickly composite plants (especially genera Carduus, Cirsium, and Onopordum) with often showy heads of mostly tubular flowers
also : any of various other prickly plants
thistly adjective

Illustration of thistle

Illustration of thistle

Examples of thistle in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Diamond Thistle brooch Queen Elizabeth gifted Camilla this diamond thistle brooch; the thistle is the national flower of Scotland. Town & Country, 16 Mar. 2023 There are four crosses alternating with four sprays representing the national emblems of England (roses), Ireland (shamrocks) and Scotland (thistles). Stephanie Petit, Peoplemag, 7 Nov. 2023 But his compatriot got across, landing in a field of thistles north of Kiryat Shemona in Israel, Time reported. Jonathan Edwards, Washington Post, 9 Oct. 2023 In between each shield is an emblem of the U.K. nations: a rose, a thistle, a shamrock and a leek. Janine Henni, Peoplemag, 29 Dec. 2022 Vegetable rennet or plant rennet: Typically, this will be referring to the variety that’s derived from plants like thistle and nettle. Ali Francis, Bon Appétit, 8 Oct. 2023 Push brooms wiped off months of dust and dirt from headstones, while weed wackers and lawn mowers contended with dandelions, thistles and crabgrass. Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 18 Aug. 2023 It is elaborately decorated with diamonds, rubies, emeralds and sapphires and the national emblems, roses, thistles, and shamrocks. Victoria Murphy, Town & Country, 6 May 2023 For the coronation of George IV in 1820, an enameled rose, thistle and shamrock – representing England, Scotland and Ireland – were added to the monde. USA TODAY, 4 May 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'thistle.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English thistel, from Old English; akin to Old High German distill thistle

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of thistle was before the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near thistle

Cite this Entry

“Thistle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/thistle. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

thistle

noun
this·​tle ˈthis-əl How to pronounce thistle (audio)
: any of various prickly plants related to the daisies and having often showy heads of mostly tubular flowers
thistly adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on thistle

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