thorn

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Long a key growth driver—and Nike’s biggest market outside North America—China has become a thorn in its turnaround efforts as Nike faces fiercer local competition and cooling consumer demand.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 1, 2026

“And that we have somebody that was a former All-Star pitcher, someone that was a thorn in our side as the Padres, and becomes a thorn in the side for other people.”

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 30, 2026

But while playing one day, he got a thorn in his eye.

From BBC • Mar. 22, 2026

Supply shortages in the memory market have been a thorn in the side of technology companies, and Qualcomm is feeling the pain as well.

From MarketWatch • Feb. 4, 2026

I didn’t know yet if she was rose or thorn, but one thing I knew for sure.

From "Moon Over Manifest" by Clare Vanderpool