eye-watering

adjective

eye-wa·​ter·​ing ˈī-ˌwȯ-tə-riŋ 

-ˌwä-

variants or less commonly eyewatering or eye watering

: causing the eyes to water

Those who suffer from allergies know the sometimes eye-watering effects of exposure to pollen or pet dander.

—Tanya A. Christian

This premium fire pit features smokeless technology for a more enjoyable outdoor fire experience without the eye-watering smoke.

—Christina Marfice

The spicy brown sauce is so hot it's eye-watering, but the dish bursts with fresh flavor.

—Heather Brannon

—often used figuratively to describe something extreme, excessive, intense, etc.

Television broadcast rights continue to fetch eye-watering sums …

—Leo Robson

Sleek boats, capable of eye-watering speeds …

—Pete Thomas

… the years of hard studying, internships and eyewatering debt required to emerge from college.

—Hugh Cameron

Word History

First Known Use

1880, in the meaning defined above