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

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

The move came days after Gail Slater, the Justice Department’s antitrust chief, was bounced from her job, reportedly after becoming a thorn in the side of some business interests.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 23, 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

The Honeycomb was still rough-dug and half finished, but it would probably be as comfortable as the holes under the thorn trees.

From "Watership Down: A Novel" by Richard Adams