eye-watering
adjective
eye-wa·ter·ing
ˈī-ˌwȯ-tə-riŋ
-ˌwä-
variants
or less commonly eyewatering
or eye watering
: causing the eyes to water
Those who suffer from allergies know the sometimes eye-watering effects of exposure to pollen or pet dander.—Tanya A. Christian
This premium fire pit features smokeless technology for a more enjoyable outdoor fire experience without the eye-watering smoke.—Christina Marfice
The spicy brown sauce is so hot it's eye-watering, but the dish bursts with fresh flavor.—Heather Brannon
—often used figuratively to describe something extreme, excessive, intense, etc.Television broadcast rights continue to fetch eye-watering sums …—Leo Robson
Sleek boats, capable of eye-watering speeds …—Pete Thomas
… the years of hard studying, internships and eyewatering debt required to emerge from college.—Hugh Cameron
Cite this Entry
“Eye-watering.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/eye-watering. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.
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