Word
spiny
US/ˈspaɪni/
UK/spˈaɪni/
Definition
adj. covered with sharp points like thorns or needles. You use it for plants and animals that can prick you.
adj. covered with spines, thorns, or prickles; having sharp pointed projections.
Examples
“The cactus has a spiny stem.”
“She wears gloves when she handles the spiny rose bushes in the garden.”
“The spiny lobster lacks the large claws of its northern cousin, relying instead on its armored shell for protection.”
Examples
simple
“The cactus has a spiny stem.”
contextual
“She wears gloves when she handles the spiny rose bushes in the garden.”
complex
“The spiny lobster lacks the large claws of its northern cousin, relying instead on its armored shell for protection.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “spiny” in context.
Verb
01. become spiny
“The young leaves become spiny as the plant matures.”
verb + adj
02. feel spiny
“The seed pod feels spiny, so do not squeeze it.”
verb + adj
03. grow spiny
“Desert plants often grow spiny to protect against animals.”
verb + adj
Adjective
04. densely spiny
“The cactus stem is densely spiny to reduce water loss.”
adv + adj
05. particularly spiny
“This rose variety is particularly spiny around the base.”
adv + adj
06. slightly spiny
“The leaves are only slightly spiny and safe to handle with gloves.”
adv + adj
Noun
07. spiny anteater
“A spiny anteater curled into a ball when it heard us.”
adj + noun
08. spiny bush
“A spiny bush blocked the narrow path through the hills.”
adj + noun
09. avoid the spiny fins
“Cooks wear gloves to avoid the spiny fins of the fish.”
10. catch a spiny lobster
“Fishermen catch a spiny lobster in traps off the coast.”
11. covered in spiny thorns
“The stem is covered in spiny thorns for protection.”
12. hide behind a spiny bush
“The rabbit tried to hide behind a spiny bush.”
Etymology
From spine + -y.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Related words
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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