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.
Facts about the desert tortoise, prickly pear cacti and more lie waiting amid pages of arguments on ballot propositions. Sasha Hupka, The Arizona Republic, 7 Oct. 2024 The ecosystem at the higher elevation there, with firs, pines, and even a few aspen, contrasts sharply with the spear-like sotol and prickly pear of the desert floor. Pam Leblanc, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 Jan. 2023 The plant Mexicans most identify with is the prickly pear cactus. Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 16 Oct. 2024 The addition of prickly pear extract supports the skin's natural exfoliation process. Jennifer Hussein, Allure, 2 Oct. 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

Dictionary Entries Near prickly pear

Cite this Entry

“Prickly pear.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prickly%20pear. Accessed 26 Nov. 2024.

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!