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
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The abstract artwork celebrates the island's natural diversity by referencing local flora such as lichen, prickly pear, and agave leaves. Skye Sherman, Travel + Leisure, 23 Feb. 2025 And at Toasted in February, diners can order the prickly pear mimosa cocktail for just $12. Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 Feb. 2025 This intensely hydrating treatment gently exfoliates with papaya enzymes while simultaneously soothing with hyaluronic acid and prickly pear oil. Emily Cegielski, Flow Space, 5 Dec. 2024 The flavors feature Lychee, prickly pear, and spices. Joseph V Micallef, Forbes, 21 Dec. 2024 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

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Cite this Entry

“Prickly pear.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prickly%20pear. Accessed 27 Feb. 2025.

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

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