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)
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
The introduction of the new NYC bins is a significant step in the city's ongoing effort to improve public sanitation and reduce pest problems.
—
Aron Solomon, Newsweek, 9 July 2024
No one wants to lose their watermelons to pests like aphids, armyworms, or cucumber beetles, so keep your eyes peeled for these pesky insects.
—Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 July 2024
Adding coffee grounds to your houseplants is likely to attract pests and grow mold.
—Lauren David, Southern Living, 3 July 2024
Catholic Charities hired armed guards after a right-wing activist posed as a pest inspector, went to a hotel where the organization has a shelter and posted a video online claiming migrants were there, prompting threats to staff.
—Andrea Castillo, Los Angeles Times, 3 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for pest 
Aron Solomon, Newsweek, 9 July 2024
No one wants to lose their watermelons to pests like aphids, armyworms, or cucumber beetles, so keep your eyes peeled for these pesky insects.
—Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 July 2024
Adding coffee grounds to your houseplants is likely to attract pests and grow mold.
—Lauren David, Southern Living, 3 July 2024
Catholic Charities hired armed guards after a right-wing activist posed as a pest inspector, went to a hotel where the organization has a shelter and posted a video online claiming migrants were there, prompting threats to staff.
—Andrea Castillo, Los Angeles Times, 3 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for pest
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'pest.' 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 pest
Cite this Entry
“Pest.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pest. Accessed 15 Jul. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
pest
noun1
: 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
Medical Definition
pest
noun1
: 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
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