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

• prickly pear 1

Examples of prickly pear in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The flavors feature Lychee, prickly pear, and spices. —Joseph V Micallef, Forbes, 21 Dec. 2024

Niacinamide, glycerin, and prickly pear help with hydration, and vitamin E, allantoin and tremella mushroom help to keep skin soft and glowing. —Emilia Benton, Glamour, 7 Aug. 2024

For example, Tucson’s prickly pear fruit could be replaced with pomegranate, the drought-tolerant fruit native to the Middle East. —Hayleigh Evans, The Arizona Republic, 3 June 2024

Christophe Robin Regenerating Mask $72 $50 Amazon Dull, dry hair is no match for Christophe Robin's Regenerating Mask, which uses prickly pear oil to boost shine and smooth frizz. —Annie Blackman, Allure, 2 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1696, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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