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 Finding Lee with entry passes proved an annoyance, but K-State could make the adjustment at halftime. Blair Kerkhoff, Kansas City Star, 24 Mar. 2024 The post showed his truck being towed from a parking lot — though Chiarello mentioned, with evident annoyance, that Tesla’s service center was not even open that day. Miles Klee, Rolling Stone, 7 Mar. 2024 And what if the dispute involves children causing an annoyance? Erin Clements, Peoplemag, 29 Feb. 2024 Lululemon’s mat strap dodges those little annoyances with an adjustable length and sturdy buckles to secure the loops around your mat. Sara Coughlin, SELF, 21 Feb. 2024 As Kinney desperately attempts to survive on his own and complete the mission, Reaper has to cope with such annoyances as an airman interrupting him during a tense moment to ask his order for a Starbucks run. Frank Scheck, The Hollywood Reporter, 14 Feb. 2024 With mild annoyance, B.T. began to play with him yet again. Elliot Ackerman, WIRED, 12 Feb. 2024 Billions of the winged insects will make an appearance across the Midwest and the Southeast for a raucous mating ritual that tends to inspire fascination and annoyance in equal measure. Elizabeth Robinson, NBC News, 23 Jan. 2024 Share [Findings] The nocturnal heart rate of young men can be predicted by their female partners’ daytime feelings of intimacy or annoyance. Rafil Kroll-Zaidi, Harper's Magazine, 28 Feb. 2024

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

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

Dictionary Entries Near annoyance

Cite this Entry

“Annoyance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/annoyance. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

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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