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
In warmer early spring areas, marigolds help deter pests later in the season, and sweet alyssum offers a low-growing, pollinator-friendly option.
—
Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Kansas City Star, 13 May 2026
To those who disagreed with him, Adams was a tireless pest trying to force his views onto more moderate and prudent men.
—Literary Hub, 13 May 2026
How to remove termites from your home safely Unfortunately, there aren’t any easy ways to remove termites manually like there are with some other pests.
—Dan Simms, USA Today, 12 May 2026
Yelp also published that searches for pest control have increased 34% year over year.
—Stephanie Breijo, Los Angeles Times, 12 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for pest
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Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Kansas City Star, 13 May 2026
To those who disagreed with him, Adams was a tireless pest trying to force his views onto more moderate and prudent men.
—Literary Hub, 13 May 2026
How to remove termites from your home safely Unfortunately, there aren’t any easy ways to remove termites manually like there are with some other pests.
—Dan Simms, USA Today, 12 May 2026
Yelp also published that searches for pest control have increased 34% year over year.
—Stephanie Breijo, Los Angeles Times, 12 May 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 17 May. 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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