: causing irritation
specifically
: tending to produce physical irritation
Synonyms
Examples of irritant in a Sentence
Noun
dust and other lung irritants
The delay was a minor irritant.
Recent Examples on the Web
Olivia Munson, USA TODAY, 12 Sep. 2024
While the body naturally produces ceramides, their levels can decline with age or exposure to irritants like chemicals or UV radiation, leading to dryness and other skin concerns.
—Lindsay Curtis, Verywell Health, 4 Sep. 2024
Tiffany Leigh, Forbes, 16 Sep. 2024
Symptoms develop on the area of the neck where the skin came into contact with the irritant or allergen, typically within 48 hours of exposure to the allergen or irritant.
—Lindsay Curtis, Health, 12 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for irritant 
Noun
Typically, cats experience inflammation or irritation – such as eye swelling or skin redness – when exposed to irritants like flowers.
—Olivia Munson, USA TODAY, 12 Sep. 2024
While the body naturally produces ceramides, their levels can decline with age or exposure to irritants like chemicals or UV radiation, leading to dryness and other skin concerns.
—Lindsay Curtis, Verywell Health, 4 Sep. 2024
Adjective
All of our products are dermatologist tested and proven safe for sensitive skin, irritant free and hypoallergenic.
—Tiffany Leigh, Forbes, 16 Sep. 2024
Symptoms develop on the area of the neck where the skin came into contact with the irritant or allergen, typically within 48 hours of exposure to the allergen or irritant.
—Lindsay Curtis, Health, 12 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for irritant
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'irritant.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near irritant
Cite this Entry
“Irritant.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/irritant. Accessed 5 Oct. 2024.
Copy CitationKids 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
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