pest

noun

1
: an epidemic disease associated with high mortality
specifically : plague
2
: something resembling a pest in destructiveness
especially : a plant or animal detrimental to humans or human concerns (such as agriculture or livestock production)
3
: one that pesters or annoys : nuisance
pesty adjective

Examples of pest in a Sentence

These insects are pests for farmers. mice and other household pests You're being a real pest. Would you leave us alone, please?
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.
Residents of Independence towers unionized with KC Tenants in May after the building’s hot water system was down for two weeks, following months of serious plumbing, heating and cooling, and pest control issues. Robert A. Cronkleton, Kansas City Star, 19 Mar. 2025 Attach photos for inquiries about plant pests or diseases. Barbara Robertson, The Mercury News, 17 Mar. 2025 The seasons are also changing, making agriculture more difficult, while pests, including moths, are thriving. Simeon Tegel, NPR, 17 Mar. 2025 In 2024, Los Angeles was the second rattiest city in America, according to a report by pest control company Orkin. Faisal Kutty, Newsweek, 11 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for pest

Word History

Etymology

Middle French peste, from Latin pestis

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of pest was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Pest.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pest. Accessed 24 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

pest

noun
1
: an epidemic disease which causes a large number of deaths
especially : plague entry 1 sense 2
2
: something resembling a pest in destructiveness
especially : a plant or animal harmful to human beings or human concerns (as agriculture)
3
: one that pesters or annoys : nuisance
pesty adjective

Medical Definition

pest

noun
1
: an epidemic disease associated with high mortality
specifically : plague sense 2
2
: something resembling a pest in destructiveness
especially : a plant or animal detrimental to humans or human concerns
pesty adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on pest

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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