nettles Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun any of numerous plants having stinging hairs that cause skin irritation on contact (especially of the genus Urtica or family Urticaceae)
    nettle.
  2. verb sting with or as with nettles and cause a stinging pain or sensation
    nettle; urticate.
  3. verb cause annoyance in; disturb, especially by minor irritations
    annoy; rag; devil; bother; vex; irritate; nettle; rile; get to; nark; get at; gravel; chafe.
    • Mosquitoes buzzing in my ear really bothers me
    • It irritates me that she never closes the door after she leaves

WordNet

Net"tles noun plural
Etymology
See Knittle.
Definitions
  1. (Naut.) (a) The halves of yarns in the unlaid end of a rope twisted for pointing or grafting. (b) Small lines used to sling hammocks under the deck beams. (c) Reef points.

Webster 1913