Stickleback \Stic"kle*back`\, n. [OE. & Prov E. stickle a prickle, spine, sting (AS. sticel) + back. See {Stick}, v. t., and cf. {Banstickle}.] (Zo["o]l.) Any one of numerous species of small fishes of the genus {Gasterosteus} and allied genera. The back is armed with two or more sharp spines. They inhabit both salt and brackish water, and construct curious nests. Called also {sticklebag}, {sharpling}, and {prickleback}.