thorn
noun
ˈthȯrn 
often attributive
1
a
: a sharp rigid process on a plant
especially : one that is a short, indurated, sharp-pointed, and leafless modified stem compare prickle, spine
b
: any of various sharp spinose structures on an animal
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\\
thorned
ˈthȯrnd
adjective thornless
ˈthȯrn-ləs
adjective thornlike
ˈthȯrn-ˌlīk
adjective 
Synonyms
- aggravation
- aggro [British]
- annoyance
- bother
- botheration
- bugbear
- exasperation
- frustration
- hair shirt
- hassle
- headache
- inconvenience
- irk
- irritant
- nuisance
- peeve
- pest
- rub
- ruffle
- trial
- vexation
See all Synonyms & Antonyms 
Example Sentences
your constant questions are a thorn in my side
Recent Examples on the Web If Manchin was one thorn in Schumer’s side, Sinema was the other. 
Grace Segers, The New Republic, 13 Sep. 2022 Turkey has been a thorn in Europe's side for months regarding Russia's ongoing invasion of Ukraine. Anders Hagstrom, Fox News, 7 Sep. 2022 With the first hurdle of a daunting September gauntlet behind it, Billy Napier’s squad turns its attention to SEC play and a Kentucky program increasingly a thorn in Florida’s side. Orlando Sentinel, 6 Sep. 2022 This acquaintance has yet to send me even a thorn, much less petal from a rose during the past three years and has ghosted me a number of times. Abigail Van Buren, oregonlive, 24 Aug. 2022 For Democrats facing election in the upcoming midterms, inflation is a political thorn that digs into consumers’ budgets despite a concerted federal effort to combat the problem. Colin Lodewick, Fortune, 8 Aug. 2022 But a poor showing for his coalition could be a thorn in his side for the rest of his second five-year term. Thomas Adamson, ajc, 11 June 2022 In the downtown area, the loud revving of motorcycles and cars has been a frequent thorn in the side for people dining outside, walking down the street and for those who live nearby. Wells Dusenbury, Sun Sentinel, 10 June 2022 Ross, her successor, has also proved to be a thorn in Johnson’s side, having repeatedly called him to resign over the scandals involving parties at Downing Street during the Covid-19 lockdowns. Ellen Milligan, Bloomberg.com, 16 Aug. 2022 See More
Grace Segers, The New Republic, 13 Sep. 2022 Turkey has been a thorn in Europe's side for months regarding Russia's ongoing invasion of Ukraine. Anders Hagstrom, Fox News, 7 Sep. 2022 With the first hurdle of a daunting September gauntlet behind it, Billy Napier’s squad turns its attention to SEC play and a Kentucky program increasingly a thorn in Florida’s side. Orlando Sentinel, 6 Sep. 2022 This acquaintance has yet to send me even a thorn, much less petal from a rose during the past three years and has ghosted me a number of times. Abigail Van Buren, oregonlive, 24 Aug. 2022 For Democrats facing election in the upcoming midterms, inflation is a political thorn that digs into consumers’ budgets despite a concerted federal effort to combat the problem. Colin Lodewick, Fortune, 8 Aug. 2022 But a poor showing for his coalition could be a thorn in his side for the rest of his second five-year term. Thomas Adamson, ajc, 11 June 2022 In the downtown area, the loud revving of motorcycles and cars has been a frequent thorn in the side for people dining outside, walking down the street and for those who live nearby. Wells Dusenbury, Sun Sentinel, 10 June 2022 Ross, her successor, has also proved to be a thorn in Johnson’s side, having repeatedly called him to resign over the scandals involving parties at Downing Street during the Covid-19 lockdowns. Ellen Milligan, Bloomberg.com, 16 Aug. 2022 See More Word History
Etymology
Middle English, from Old English; akin to Old High German dorn thorn, Sanskrit tṛṇa grass, blade of grass
First Known Use
before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2
Phrases Containing thorn
Kids Definition
thorn
noun
ˈthȯrn
1
: a hard sharp leafless point on the stem or branch of a plant (as a rose bush)
2
: a bush or tree that has thorns
thorn
noun
as in headache
something that is a source of irritation your constant questions are a thorn in my side Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
- headache
- irritant
- nuisance
- rub
- bugbear
- annoyance
- frustration
- pest
- irk
- problem
- worry
- ruffle
- inconvenience
- burden
- menace
- curse
- vexation
- insult
- peeve
- hair shirt
- aggravation
- exasperation
- cross
- trial
- bother
- sore
- pinprick
- millstone
- plague
- discomfort
- affront
- trouble
- hassle
- albatross
- aggro
- fleabite
- botheration
- predicament
- disturber
- anxiety
- upset
- offender
- plight
- offence
- annoyer
- tribulation
- affliction
- offense
- pet peeve
- harasser
- hang-up
- pandora's box
- mischief
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- joy
- pleasure
- delight