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.

Examples of annoyance in a Sentence

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
To the gag order and constant annoyance with any attention the case gets. Anna Commander, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 July 2025 This means that the auditoriums and school gyms and other places where these workers pull long days should be properly air conditioned and stocked with fans, water, ice, electrolyte solutions, and whatever else is needed to ensure the heat remains more of an annoyance than a lethal danger. New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 24 June 2025 Denilson, the former Brazil international who became the world’s most expensive footballer in 1998, expressed his annoyance on Instagram. Jack Lang, New York Times, 18 June 2025 Ritter, a Democrat from Hartford, had expressed annoyance last week at Elicker’s complaint. Mark Pazniokas, Hartford Courant, 14 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for annoyance

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

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Cite this Entry

“Annoyance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/annoyance. Accessed 15 Jul. 2025.

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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