cocklebur

noun

cock·​le·​bur ˈkä-kəl-ˌbər How to pronounce cocklebur (audio) ˈkə- How to pronounce cocklebur (audio)
: any of a genus (Xanthium) of prickly-fruited composite plants
also : one of its stiff-spined fruits

Examples of cocklebur in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web But the fact is, a pair of beagles or even a single hound can be deadly on a rabbit hunt, and the instinct is entwined in their DNA like a cocklebur. Kyle Wintersteen, Field & Stream, 30 Jan. 2023 The lake’s receding water left behind a crazy plain of sprawling cocklebur fields pocked with silty potholes. T. Edward Nickens, Field & Stream, 10 Mar. 2020 There amid coons and cocklebur, Charlie maybe harbored regrets. Rick Montgomery, kansascity, 17 Oct. 2017 Michael Franklin was a cocklebur for the Steers, accounting for 402 Wyatt yards and five touchdowns. John Henry, star-telegram, 28 Sep. 2017 In addition to switchgrass and American beach grass, look for cocklebur, sea rocket and cottonwood here. cleveland.com, 11 June 2017

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'cocklebur.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1804, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of cocklebur was in 1804

Dictionary Entries Near cocklebur

Cite this Entry

“Cocklebur.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cocklebur. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

cocklebur

noun
cock·​le·​bur ˈkäk-əl-ˌbər How to pronounce cocklebur (audio) ˈkək- How to pronounce cocklebur (audio)
: any of a genus of plants that have prickly fruits and are related to the thistles
also : one of its fruits

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