1. the spiny seed cases or fruits of plants in the genus Xanthium that stick to clothing and animal fur
Usage: botany
2. weedy plants that produce these spiny seed cases, commonly found in disturbed soil
Usage: botany

Examples

• The dog came home covered in cockleburs after running through the field.
• We spent an hour picking cockleburs out of our socks and shoelaces.
• Cockleburs spread easily because their spiny cases stick to passing animals.
• The farmer worked to remove cockleburs from his pasture before they could spread.
• Children often throw cockleburs at each other because they stick to clothing.
• The hiking trail was overgrown with cockleburs that grabbed at our pants.