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

Example Sentences

In an update on Saturday afternoon, the force said two protesters had been arrested on suspicion of criminal damage and causing a public nuisance after allegedly attempting to climb pillars near Trafalgar Square.

From BBC • Mar. 28, 2026

It was the day of the emergency public nuisance hearing.

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

A jury last year took their side, awarding more than $660 million in damages across three Greenpeace entities, citing charges including trespass, nuisance, conspiracy and deprivation of property access.

From Barron's • Feb. 27, 2026

Those of her friends who took them found it a nuisance.

From "Son" by Lois Lowry