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
Keep the mulch at least 4 inches from the trunk of the dogwood to help prevent rot and reduce problems from pests.
—
Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 9 Mar. 2026
The screen installed on the door was not properly constructed to prevent pest entry, as the mesh openings were excessively large.
—David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 8 Mar. 2026
This prevents smells, reduces the risk of pests, and speeds up breakdown when burying the peels.
—Michelle Mastro, Martha Stewart, 7 Mar. 2026
Coffee grounds are also beneficial for the soil and can help repel other pests.
—Nadia Hassani, The Spruce, 7 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for pest
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Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 9 Mar. 2026
The screen installed on the door was not properly constructed to prevent pest entry, as the mesh openings were excessively large.
—David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 8 Mar. 2026
This prevents smells, reduces the risk of pests, and speeds up breakdown when burying the peels.
—Michelle Mastro, Martha Stewart, 7 Mar. 2026
Coffee grounds are also beneficial for the soil and can help repel other pests.
—Nadia Hassani, The Spruce, 7 Mar. 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 14 Mar. 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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