Search Dictionary
Definition of cocklebur

cocklebur

/ˈkɑː.kəlˌbɜːr/
cock · le · bur
Plural:cockleburs
JUMP TO:

cocklebur Lexical Profile

cocklebur Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

Any of several coarse annual weeds of the genus Xanthium in the aster family (Asteraceae), native to the Americas and Eurasia, characterized by rough leaves and oblong, prickly seed heads covered in hooked spines that cling to animal fur and clothing.

Example

"After walking through the overgrown pasture, we had to pull dozens of prickly cockleburs from the dog's coat."

2

The spiny, hooked bur or seed capsule produced by a plant of the genus Xanthium.

Example

"Several stubborn cockleburs were tangled in the hem of my hiking trousers."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for cocklebur

• Nearby Words

cockily
cockiness
cockle
cocklebur
cockney
cockpit
cockroach

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in the early 19th century as a compound of "cockle" (from Old English "coccel", meaning a weed in grain fields) and "bur" (a prickly seed head).

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Cocklebur. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/cocklebur
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.