prick

/pɹɪk/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: pricks · pricking · pricked

Sense 1

Meaning · English

A small hole or perforation, caused by piercing.

Noun

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

An indentation or small mark made with a pointed object.

Noun

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 3

Meaning · English

To pierce or puncture slightly.

Verb

Examples

John hardly felt the needle prick his arm when the adept nurse drew blood.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 4

Meaning · English

To pierce or puncture slightly. — To drive a nail into (a horse's foot), so as to cause lameness.

Verb

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “prick” mean?

A small hole or perforation, caused by piercing.

Is “prick” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.