annoyance

noun

an·​noy·​ance ə-ˈnȯi-ən(t)s How to pronounce annoyance (audio)
1
: the act of annoying someone or of being annoyed
2
: the state or feeling of being annoyed : vexation
She couldn't hide her annoyance.
3
: a source of vexation or irritation : nuisance
The delay was a minor annoyance.

Example Sentences

She expressed annoyance at the slow service. they have an unlisted number in the hopes that it will reduce the constant annoyance by telemarketers
Recent Examples on the Web Manually downshifting to third gear around town clears up that annoyance. Jean Lindamood, Car and Driver, 5 May 2023 With about two weeks having passed since the labels were removed, Musk expressed annoyance that NPR hasn't posted any new tweets. Jon Brodkin, Ars Technica, 3 May 2023 Share [Findings] The nocturnal heart rate of young men can be predicted by their female partners’ daytime feelings of intimacy or annoyance. Lauren Oyler, Harpers Magazine, 26 Apr. 2023 To the annoyance of many Texas Democrats, Biden effectively wrote off the state during the last election, much as three decades of nominees had done because of the high cost of mounting a serious effort. Todd J. Gillman, Dallas News, 25 Apr. 2023 Enter Email Sign Up That question triggered a rare flash of annoyance from Powell. Jim Puzzanghera, BostonGlobe.com, 25 Mar. 2023 With such an expansive menu of syrups, flavors, seasonal items, and frequent new drink launches, Starbucks lends itself naturally to experimentation—much to some baristas’ mild annoyance, but other baristas are in on it and even happy to suggest their own unique customizations. Emily Manchester, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 Feb. 2023 Would that make the story’s suppression merely an annoyance with no substantive effect, as the reader suggests? Alan Smith, WSJ, 2 Jan. 2023 Anything less is an intrusion at best and an annoyance at worst. Expert Panel®, Forbes, 17 Mar. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'annoyance.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of annoyance was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near annoyance

Cite this Entry

“Annoyance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/annoyance. Accessed 3 Jun. 2023.

Kids Definition

annoyance

noun
an·​noy·​ance ə-ˈnȯi-ən(t)s How to pronounce annoyance (audio)
1
a
: the act of annoying
b
: the feeling of being annoyed
2
: a source of annoyance : nuisance

More from Merriam-Webster on annoyance

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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