adj. causing irritation or annoyance tapping an annoying rhythm on his glass with his fork|aircraft noise is particularly bothersome near the airport|found it galling to have to ask permission|an irritating delay|nettlesome paperwork|a pesky mosquito|swarms of pestering gnats|a plaguey newfangled safety catch|a teasing and persistent thought annoyed him|a vexatious child|it is vexing to have to admit you are wrong Synonym: annoying, vexing, vexatious, teasing, plaguy, plaguey, pestiferous, pestering, pesky, irritating, galling, bothersome |