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
Ed Dolshun is a pest expert, as well as the VP of business development and tech director at Catchmaster.
—
Ashley Chalmers, The Spruce, 17 June 2026
From termites to ticks, these common summer pests can cause costly damage—here’s how to spot them early and stop them fast.
—Sharon Wu, USA Today, 16 June 2026
Regular tasks like pruning, deadheading, and checking for pests keep roses healthy and blooming.
—Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 16 June 2026
Young and shallowly rooted plants are the most impacted by heat and drought, leaving them vulnerable to diseases and pests.
—Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 16 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for pest
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Ashley Chalmers, The Spruce, 17 June 2026
From termites to ticks, these common summer pests can cause costly damage—here’s how to spot them early and stop them fast.
—Sharon Wu, USA Today, 16 June 2026
Regular tasks like pruning, deadheading, and checking for pests keep roses healthy and blooming.
—Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 16 June 2026
Young and shallowly rooted plants are the most impacted by heat and drought, leaving them vulnerable to diseases and pests.
—Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 16 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for pest
Cite this Entry
“Pest.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pest. Accessed 18 Jun. 2026.
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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