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

Example Sentences

Dad's general irritation at the incessant complaining coming from the back seat of the car.
Recent Examples on the Web The most common side effect was skin irritation around the patch. Will Sullivan, Smithsonian Magazine, 15 May 2023 The most common side effect was skin irritation at the patch site. Lauren Neergaard, The Enquirer, 11 May 2023 Four Viaskin patch recipients experienced an allergic reaction that was deemed related to the patch, but the most common side effect included skin irritation at the patch site. Sara Moniuszko, CBS News, 11 May 2023 The goal is to treat the poison ivy rash and reduce skin irritation. Jim Cobb, Field & Stream, 10 May 2023 And finally, safety razors have one replaceable blade and can reduce plastic waste and skin irritation. Isabel Vasquez Rd Ldn, Health, 4 May 2023 This is because 67% of babies have experienced skin irritation or rashes. Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 22 Apr. 2023 Additionally, some may experience skin irritation at the application site. Jennifer Manfrin, Chicago Tribune, 20 Apr. 2023 Health officials say chemicals in epoxy resin can cause skin irritation and asthma. Dennis Romero, NBC News, 16 Apr. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'irritation.' 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 1c

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

Dictionary Entries Near irritation

Cite this Entry

“Irritation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/irritation. Accessed 8 Jun. 2023.

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
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