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 tunaentry 2
Illustration of prickly pear
prickly pear 1
Examples of prickly pear in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the WebBrush your hair back, warm up the product between the palms of your hands, and work it through—this formula is rich in prickly pear oil to add shine and dimension.—Anamaria Glavan, Allure, 8 July 2024 This bar soap is made with prickly pear and plant butters, and comes in the shape of a cactus pad—tucked into a lovely box.—Meaghan Kenny, Condé Nast Traveler, 12 Dec. 2023 Apple fritter pulled pork sandwich: BBQ pulled pork drenched in prickly pear BBQ sauce between two apple fritters and topped with crimson slaw.—Endia Fontanez, The Arizona Republic, 16 July 2024 Drinks-wise, there will be $7 house margaritas (by El Bandido Tequila) in flavors such as mango, peach, prickly pear, passion fruit, strawberry and watermelon from 4 to 7 p.m. ($10 after 7 p.m.).—Ben Crandell, Sun Sentinel, 4 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for prickly pear
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'prickly pear.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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