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.

A thorn in Liverpool's defence, Haaland became just the third Premier League player to score in four or more consecutive home games against the Reds after Chris Sutton and former City forward Sergio Aguero.

From BBC • Apr. 4, 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

Dutch Bros, a coffee and beverage chain still unknown in many parts of the country, is becoming a thorn in Starbucks’s side.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 1, 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

Getting the thorn out was not easy, for the foot had become so tender that Pipkin winced and pulled away even from Hazel’s tongue.

From "Watership Down: A Novel" by Richard Adams