burr
A prickly seed head that latches onto clothes or fur.
Also called bur, sticker burr, cocklebur.
Updated September 21, 2026
burr pronunciation
/BUR/
Meaning
Out in the pasture or along a ditch bank, a burr is that hooked little seed pod from cocklebur, sandbur, and kin. It does not stab like a thorn so much as ride along on your jeans, socks, or the dog. Country kids spend half a walk home picking them off before Mom sees the couch covered.
How folks use it
- “I walked through that fence row and came out covered in burrs.”
- “Pull those burrs out of the dog's coat before you let him in the truck.”
Origin and etymology
From Middle English burre, the prickly seed head of a plant. Rural Southern and Appalachian speech kept the plain word for everyday farm and woods talk. Folks also say cocklebur, sandbur, or sticker burr for the same hitchhikers.
Frequently asked questions
Is a burr the same as a sticker?
Not always. A burr latches on with hooks. A sticker is often the thorn that pokes you. Some folks say sticker burr for both ideas at once.