pesky

adjective

pes·​ky ˈpe-skē 

peskier; peskiest

: troublesome, vexatious

pesky issues

Synonyms of pesky

• annoying
• frustrating
• irritating

Examples of pesky in a Sentence

I've been trying to get rid of this pesky cold for weeks.

the pesky problem of what to do with all the leftovers

Recent Examples on the Web

That the earnestness the genre requires galls us cynics, who love to hide in our books, away from all those pesky bodies in the first place? — Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 13 Aug. 2026

Its mission to let the breeze in and keep the mosquitos, pesky flies and assorted vermin out appears simple, but its impact goes beyond that. — ABC News, 12 Aug. 2026

Oh, and sweat, bacne, thigh chafing, and, in some cases, a smattering of pesky little bumps in the area above your upper thigh and below your buttcheeks. — Kara Nesvig, Allure, 10 Aug. 2026

This unpredictable movement and shine can keep birds, bees, and other pesky critters and insects from wanting to raid your garden. — Molly Burford, Southern Living, 10 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

probably irregular from pest + -y entry 1

First Known Use

1775, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

pesky

adjective

pes·​ky ˈpes-kē 

peskier; peskiest

: troublesome sense 2

peskily

-kə-lē

adverb

peskiness

-kē-nəs

noun