nuisance

American  

[noo-suhns, nyoo-] / ˈnu səns, ˈnyu- /

noun

1. an obnoxious or annoying person, thing, condition, practice, etc..

   a monthly meeting that was more nuisance than pleasure.

2. Law. something offensive or annoying to individuals or to the community, especially in violation of their legal rights.

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nuisance British  

/ ˈnjuːsəns /

noun

1. 1. a person or thing that causes annoyance or bother

   2. ( as modifier )

      nuisance calls

2. law something unauthorized that is obnoxious or injurious to the community at large ( public nuisance ) or to an individual, esp in relation to his ownership or occupation of property ( private nuisance )

3. the usefulness of a person's or thing's capacity to cause difficulties or irritation

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nuisance Idioms  

1. see make a nuisance of oneself.

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Etymology

Origin of nuisance

First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English nu(i)sa(u)nce, from Anglo-French, from nuis(er) “to harm” (from Latin nocēre “to harm, injure”) + -ance -ance

Explanation

Whether it’s a mosquito or your little brother pestering you about the laundry, you can use the word nuisance to describe something that causes small annoyances. The noun nuisance traces back to the Latin word nocere, meaning “to harm.” Nuisance originally was used to refer to things that could produce serious injury and harm, but over time the word lost some of its capacity for destruction. Nowadays you’ll hear nuisance used to describe things or people that cause small problems or that bother you in annoying but trivial ways.

Example Sentences

Kelly: How easy is it to just play angry and be a nuisance?

From BBC • Apr. 11, 2026

Skinner, however, argues that nuisance laws should only be used to address local, easily fixable problems, like excessive noise from a bar.

From Salon • Apr. 10, 2026

In early November, the city filed suit against Quirky, asking a judge to declare the bookstore a public nuisance.

From Slate • Mar. 25, 2026

Khalil Mack will continue to be a nuisance for opposing quarterbacks for at least one more season.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 7, 2026

“By talking to them, mister. Tell them to go, that they’re a nuisance here. They understand,” explained old Pedro Garcia.

From "The House of the Spirits: A Novel" by Isabel Allende