irritating
Americanadjective
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Etymology
Origin of irritating
First recorded in 1700–10; irritat(e) + -ing 2
Explanation
If something's irritating, it annoys you. To most people, tuneless whistling and fingernails on a chalkboard are both irritating sounds. Irritating things bug you. A little kid kicking the back of your seat on an airplane, a driver who follows you too closely on the highway, an early morning work crew right outside your bedroom window — all of these things can be irritating. A more physical way for something to be irritating is if it causes irritation — like a rash or soreness or pain. Your new watch may be irritating to your skin, leaving a red mark on your wrist.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
For nearly 60 years, “60 Minutes” has stood apart because of its stubborn independence and commitment to irritating powerful people.
From Salon • Jun. 1, 2026
The EPA says methyl methacrylate is irritating to the skin, eyes, and mucous membranes in humans.
From Barron's • May 24, 2026
Both substances have similarly irritating effects, despite different ingredients.
From Los Angeles Times • May 22, 2026
Tinnitus can range from mildly irritating to severely distressing.
From Science Daily • May 15, 2026
Usually bird puns off my name are irritating, but it’s like she doesn’t even realize she’s doing it.
From "Sparrow" by Sarah Moon
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
