pest

noun

\ˈpest

\

Definition of pest

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

Other Words from pest Synonyms Example Sentences Learn More about pest

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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

Officials say that there’s no single cause but that habitat loss, pests, diseases and pesticides are all factors in the decline. — Washington Post, "Illnesses in Md. linked to Venezuelan crab meat," 8 July 2018 And some early season pests are no longer a bother. — Jo Ellen Meyers Sharp, Indianapolis Star, "The Hoosier Gardener: Sow seeds now for late-summer edibles," 8 July 2018 The biting pests are back in full attack mode, and in big numbers. — Don Behm, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Heading outdoors? Here's how to protect yourself from a full bloom of mosquitoes and ticks in Wisconsin," 30 May 2018 Most pests are unpleasant, but termites can wreck your house. — Philly.com, "The annual home pest invasion is coming; here are tips to do it yourself or hire an exterminator," 28 Mar. 2018 Since most spinach grows in very cool weather, pests are usually not a problem. — The Editors Of Organic Life, Good Housekeeping, "How To Grow The Tastiest Spinach," 15 Feb. 2018 Another common pumpkin pest are squash bugs, which hang out on the underside of leaves when the flowers bloom or when fruit appears. — Arricca Sansone, Country Living, "Everything You Need to Know About Planting Pumpkin Seeds," 29 June 2017 Diseases spread by pests like mosquitoes and fleas remain global health problems. — Alexandra Sifferlin, Time, "How a Drug For Pets May Help Prevent Zika and Malaria," 2 July 2018 Fill in bare spots left by cold or pests before weed growth begins. 11. — Tom Maccubbin, OrlandoSentinel.com, "April in the garden," 31 Mar. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'pest.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.