prickly pear

noun

1
or prickly pear cactus : opuntia
especially : an opuntia with flattened, usually paddle-shaped, jointed stem segments compare cholla, nopal
2
or prickly pear fruit : the pulpy, pear- or egg-shaped, edible, yellow to purplish-red fruit of various prickly pears (such as Opuntia ficus-indica) see tuna entry 2

Illustration of prickly pear

Illustration of prickly pear
  • prickly pear 1

Examples of prickly pear in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
My kids might not be getting prickly pear for breakfast anytime soon. — Jamie Siebrase, Denver Post, 20 May 2026 Grow prickly pear cactus in a fast-draining area, such as a gravel garden. — Daniel Scott, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 June 2026 Craft cocktails, like the high heat margarita (tequila Ocho Plata, agave nectar, lime juice, jalapeño syrup and prickly pear syrup) are $10. — Jenna Thompson june 18, Kansas City Star, 18 June 2026 The fan-favorite hair care gem is packed with superstar ingredients, including green tea extract to repair and prevent damage, and prickly pear to deeply hydrate hair and reduce frizz. — Kyra Surgent, InStyle, 14 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for prickly pear

Word History

First Known Use

1696, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of prickly pear was in 1696

Rhymes for prickly pear

See All Rhymes for prickly pear

Browse Nearby Words

prickly nightshade
prickly pear
prickly pine
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Prickly pear.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prickly%20pear. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

prickly pear

noun
1
: any of numerous cacti with spines and usually flat stem segments
2
: the pear-shaped sweet edible pulpy fruit of a prickly pear

More from Merriam-Webster on prickly pear

Nglish: Translation of prickly pear for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about prickly pear

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