irritant

1 of 2

noun

ir·​ri·​tant ˈir-ə-tənt How to pronounce irritant (audio)
: something that irritates or excites

irritant

2 of 2

adjective

: causing irritation
specifically : tending to produce physical irritation

Examples of irritant in a Sentence

Noun dust and other lung irritants The delay was a minor irritant.
Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
This pea protein powder is a good option for folks who can’t consume whey or casein products, and it’s made with just four ingredients, minimizing the potential irritants for those of us with sensitive stomachs. Jenny McCoy, Glamour, 2 Feb. 2024 Diaper rash cream creates a protective barrier between your baby's bottom and irritants in their diaper. Brienne Walsh, Parents, 21 Feb. 2024 Even avoiding irritants such as smoke or strong odors can help ease a cough. Syeda Khaula Saad, Verywell Health, 6 Feb. 2024 The filtration system is completely sealed so irritants are pulled in and aren't released back into the air. Megan Boettcher, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 Feb. 2024 Fragrance-free and non-abrasive, these drops are absent of common skincare irritants like unnecessary fragrances and pore-clogging ingredients. Alyssa Brascia, Peoplemag, 30 Jan. 2024 The purpose of the skin is to act as a barrier against irritants and chemicals, bacteria, and fungi to get in. Nadja Sayej, Forbes, 11 Dec. 2023 Other members of the mob threw items, sprayed police with chemical irritants, and stole items from police defending the site. Jeff A. Chamer, Charlotte Observer, 1 Feb. 2024 The brand doesn’t use ingredients such as phthalates, sulfates, parabens, keratin, nut and mineral oils, petroleum, keratin and other potential irritants or endocrine-disrupting chemicals. Danielle Directo-Meston, The Hollywood Reporter, 12 Dec. 2023
Adjective
China has repeatedly warned the United States to stop its support for Taiwan and the issue is a constant irritant in Sino-U.S. relations. Reuters, NBC News, 25 Jan. 2024 Porter’s campaign ads focus on her reputation in Congress as an irritant to Washington’s entrenched political hierarchy, touting her as having an independent streak and not being beholden to corporate interests. Benjamin Oreskes, Los Angeles Times, 13 Feb. 2024 Other potential causes include a potential allergy, an irritant exposure or a serious type of sun damage known as actinic damage. The Enquirer, 27 Jan. 2024 Researchers also specially bred mice susceptible to a lupus-like condition that can be triggered by a chemical irritant. TIME, 2 Feb. 2024 The most common irritant used is called anthralin.7 Oral Steroids. Heather L. Brannon, Md, Verywell Health, 27 Jan. 2024 In principle, the chemical irritant might induce immune cells to produce an inflammatory cascade, and that inflammation, in turn, might make the cancer cells grow. Siddhartha Mukherjee, The New Yorker, 11 Dec. 2023 One common concern caused by detergent is its ability to trigger adverse skin reactions and conditions like contact dermatitis, the result of direct exposure to an allergen or irritant. Kaleigh Fasanella, Allure, 29 Dec. 2023 Previous studies have concluded that gas stoves produce nitrogen dioxide, a lung irritant linked to asthma and a precursor to smog. Tony Briscoe, Los Angeles Times, 21 June 2023

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

Noun

1802, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

1636, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of irritant was in 1636

Dictionary Entries Near irritant

Cite this Entry

“Irritant.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/irritant. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

irritant

1 of 2 adjective
ir·​ri·​tant ˈir-ə-tənt How to pronounce irritant (audio)
: tending to produce anger, annoyance, impatience, soreness, or inflammation
especially : tending to produce physical irritation

irritant

2 of 2 noun
: something that irritates

Medical Definition

irritant

1 of 2 adjective
ir·​ri·​tant ˈir-ə-tənt How to pronounce irritant (audio)
: causing irritation
specifically : tending to produce inflammation

irritant

2 of 2 noun
: something that irritates or excites
specifically : an agent by which irritation is produced
a chemical irritant

More from Merriam-Webster on irritant

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!