Nettle meaning : Any plant whose foliage is covered with stinging, mildly poisonous hairs, causing an instant rash. Certain plants that have spines or prickles: Certain non-stinging plants, mostly in the family Lamiaceae, that resemble the species of Urtica: Loosely, anything which causes a similarly stinging rash, such as a jellyfish or sea nettle. Of the nettle plant and similar physical causes, to sting, causing a rash in someone. To pique, irritate, vex or provoke.