nettle definition
Definition of nettle. 1  1 : any of a genus (Urtica of the family Urticaceae, the nettle family) of chiefly coarse herbs armed with stinging hairs â¦ legs, which smarted from the stings of nettles â¦ â James Stephens. 2  2 : any of various prickly or stinging plants other than the true nettles (genus Urtica)