a plant with prickly leaves and a round head of purple flowers, a symbol of Scotland

sow thistle, milk thistle, thistle down

Formal and Informal Expressions of thistle

In different contexts, you can replace 'thistle' with suitable alternatives. In a more informal setting, 'prickly weed' is apt.

thistle: Explore its Definition & Usage

thistle Definition

1a plant with prickly leaves and a round head of purple flowers
2a symbol of Scotland

Using thistle: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "thistle" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

Example
The field was full of thistles.
Example
The Scottish emblem features a thistle.
Example
The thistle's prickly leaves deter animals from eating it.

thistle Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for thistle

weed
prickly plant

Phrases with thistle

sow thistle
a weedy plant that is similar in appearance to the thistle
Example
The sow thistle is often mistaken for the thistle due to their similar appearance.
milk thistle
a plant with white-veined leaves and large purple flower heads, used in herbal medicine
Example
Milk thistle is believed to have liver-protecting effects.
thistle down
the fluffy seeds of the thistle plant, which are dispersed by the wind
Example
The thistle down floated gently on the breeze.

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Summary: thistle in Brief

A 'thistle' [ˈθɪsl] is a plant with prickly leaves and a round head of purple flowers. It is also a symbol of Scotland. The thistle's prickly leaves deter animals from eating it. Other plants similar in appearance include the sow thistle and milk thistle.