irritant

1 of 2

noun

ir·​ri·​tant ˈir-ə-tənt 

: something that irritates or excites

irritant

2 of 2

adjective

: causing irritation

specifically : tending to produce physical irritation

Synonyms of irritant

Noun

• headache
• nuisance
• thorn
• frustration
• annoyance

Examples of irritant in a Sentence

Noun

dust and other lung irritants

The delay was a minor irritant.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Eyssimont made a name for himself with the Tampa Bay Lightning as being an irritant. —Fluto Shinzawa, New York Times, 27 Apr. 2026

Then the ball was tipped, and Hyland assumed his role as an irritant of Denver’s corner shooters. —Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 25 Apr. 2026

Adjective

Ozone can also cause an irritant effect that makes people unable to take a deep breath. —Eva Flowe april 28, Charlotte Observer, 28 Apr. 2026

No Kings protest ends March 38 with protesters detained and the use of a chemical irritant on some protesters. —Mark Russell, Memphis Commercial Appeal, 29 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1802, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

1636, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

irritant

1 of 2 adjective

ir·​ri·​tant ˈir-ə-tənt 

: tending to produce anger, annoyance, impatience, soreness, or inflammation

especially : tending to produce physical irritation

irritant

2 of 2 noun

: something that irritates

Medical Definition

irritant

1 of 2 adjective

ir·​ri·​tant ˈir-ə-tənt 

: causing irritation

specifically : tending to produce inflammation

irritant

2 of 2 noun

: something that irritates or excites

specifically : an agent by which irritation is produced

a chemical irritant