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

Become a real nuisance and tech boosters will eventually give up, handing the future back to the pestering, teeming masses.

From Salon • Apr. 13, 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

“It’s such a nuisance and a hassle to have a rental property.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 22, 2026

Newquay Town Council said the changes were "highly likely to increase the noise nuisance generated by the festival" while Cornwall councillors and parish representatives also raised objections.

From BBC • Mar. 3, 2026

“What a nuisance he is,” I said aloud, and I scrambled up the rocks after him, pretending to myself I did not want to go to the other beach.

From "Rebecca" by Daphne du Maurier