irritable

adjective

ir·​ri·​ta·​ble ˈir-ə-tə-bəl How to pronounce irritable (audio)
: capable of being irritated: such as
a
: easily exasperated or excited
gets irritable when he tires
b
: responsive to stimuli
irritableness noun
irritably adverb

Examples of irritable in a Sentence

My father is always irritable after a nap. I came home from work feeling tired and irritable.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Though most people benefit from eating more fiber, some may need to temporarily reduce their fiber intake to help their digestive system heal, such as during a flare-up of irritable bowel disease (IBD), diverticulitis, or Crohn’s disease.4 3. Melissa Nieves, Verywell Health, 7 Mar. 2025 Scheer was smart to whittle down the novel’s winding sentences into short, sharp exclamations and curt instructions — and also to be faithful to Melville’s rendition of the captain’s irritable diction. Justin Davidson, Vulture, 4 Mar. 2025 Tornado Alley is a strip from Nebraska to Texas known for irritable weather systems. Ella Gonzales, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 Mar. 2025 Cold exposure is particularly helpful for those who have irritable skin through the constriction of blood vessels, alleviating swelling and flushes. Lucy Notarantonio, Newsweek, 24 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for irritable

Word History

First Known Use

1662, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of irritable was in 1662

Cite this Entry

“Irritable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/irritable. Accessed 17 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

irritable

adjective
ir·​ri·​ta·​ble ˈir-ət-ə-bəl How to pronounce irritable (audio)
: capable of being irritated
especially : easily irritated
gets irritable when he's tired
irritableness noun
irritably adverb

Medical Definition

irritable

adjective
ir·​ri·​ta·​ble ˈir-ət-ə-bəl How to pronounce irritable (audio)
: characterized by irritability: as
a
: easily exasperated or excited
b
: responsive to stimuli

More from Merriam-Webster on irritable

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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