irritation

noun

ir·​ri·​ta·​tion ˌir-ə-ˈtā-shən How to pronounce irritation (audio)
Synonyms of irritationnext
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

Synonyms of irritation

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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.
Several struggled to get rid of large air bubbles in the syringe, which can cause injection site irritation and make dosing inaccurate. — C. Michael White, The Conversation, 7 Aug. 2026 These may be rubber or silicone, with the latter generally being the most comfortable and least likely to cause skin irritation. — Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 7 Aug. 2026 Dryness and irritation in the vulva — known as the genitourinary syndrome of menopause — also often get better with hormone therapy. — Mara Gordon, NPR, 7 Aug. 2026 The luxurious pick is made with squalane to soothe and prevent irritation and peptides to smooth visible signs of aging. — Kyra Surgent, InStyle, 5 Aug. 2026 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

Rhymes for irritation

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Browse Nearby Words

irritating
irritation
irritative
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Cite this Entry

“Irritation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/irritation. Accessed 11 Aug. 2026.

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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
: irritant entry 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

Nglish: Translation of irritation for Spanish Speakers

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