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 The chemical, also known as chromium 6, can cause rashes and irritation or damage to the eyes and skin, as well as lung cancer if breathed in, according to the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Victoria Bisset, Washington Post, 13 Mar. 2024 Air time is also essential to minimizing the risk of rashes and irritation. Chaunie Brusie, Rn, Parents, 10 Mar. 2024 The skin on the body is also more sensitive to the dryness and irritation that can be caused by some active ingredients, like acne-smoothing salicylic acid or line-smoothing retinol. Hannah Baxter, Allure, 5 Mar. 2024 The lotion even contains niacinamide to calm your skin, which is great for people who are prone to redness or irritation. Lauren Taylor, Southern Living, 1 Mar. 2024 High doses of the chemical in contact with the skin can lead to skin, lung, and liver irritation, as well as kidney and nerve damage. Jordan Greene, Peoplemag, 29 Feb. 2024 Tips for Use For teens with sensitive skin, using an acne cream every other day or every other night may prevent the initial burning and irritation that many teens have. Casey Gallagher, Verywell Health, 2 Mar. 2024 Depending on your skin type, washing your face in the morning and at night could lead to dryness or irritation, experts said. Alyssa Hui, Health, 29 Feb. 2024 Despite New York being horrifically cold, my skin has yet to experience excessive dryness or irritation. Essence, 28 Feb. 2024

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 19 Mar. 2024.

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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