irritation

noun

ir·​ri·​ta·​tion ˌir-ə-ˈtā-shən How to pronounce irritation (audio)
1
a
: the state of being irritated
b
: something that irritates
c
: the act of irritating
2
: a condition of irritability, soreness, roughness, or inflammation of a bodily part

Examples of irritation in a Sentence

Dad's general irritation at the incessant complaining coming from the back seat of the car.
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.
For their first drop, the team launched the Pigment Processor Daily Brightening Serum, which aids in dark spot and irritation elimination. Akili King, Essence, 15 May 2025 Be cautious of irritation caused by using too many products. Sarah Bence, Verywell Health, 15 May 2025 To minimize the risk of irritation, Dr. Turner recommends using a product that is formulated with peppermint oil rather than trying to DIY your own treatment. Lisa Desantis, Glamour, 14 May 2025 Pudendal nerve irritation can be tricky to diagnose, but pelvic floor physical therapy and, in some cases, nerve blocks can help relieve symptoms, Dr. Reardon says. Cheyenne Buckingham, SELF, 13 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for irritation

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1c

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Irritation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/irritation. Accessed 29 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

irritation

noun
ir·​ri·​ta·​tion ˌir-ə-ˈtā-shən How to pronounce irritation (audio)
1
: the act of irritating : the state of being irritated
2

Medical Definition

irritation

noun
ir·​ri·​ta·​tion ˌir-ə-ˈtā-shən How to pronounce irritation (audio)
1
a
: the act of irritating
b
: something that irritates
c
: the state of being irritated
2
: a condition of irritability, soreness, roughness, or inflammation of a bodily part

More from Merriam-Webster on irritation

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!