pest

noun

ˈpest 

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

pesty

ˈpe-stē 

adjective

Synonyms of pest

• plague

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

Always assume items have unseen germs or pests and clean them accordingly before bringing them into your home. — Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 1 Aug. 2026

These plant pests stimulate the Mexican petunia foliage to grow hairlike portions that form the white patches. — Tom MacCubbin, The Orlando Sentinel, 1 Aug. 2026

The restaurant had to undergo pest control treatment and was able to reopen after a July 23 follow-up inspection. — Harriet Ramos, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 30 July 2026

Its odor control includes applying odor neutralizer to waste and keeping portions of the building wrapped to contain smells, and pest control includes daily fly treatments and the use of rodent-control devices, according to Lineage. — Paris Barraza, USA Today, 30 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle French peste, from Latin pestis

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing pest

• integrated pest management

Rhymes for pest

• blessed
• blest
• breast
• chest
• crest
• dressed
• fest
• gest
• geste
• guessed
• jest
• lest

Kids Definition

pest

noun

ˈpest 

1

: 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

pesty

ˈpes-tē 

adjective

Medical Definition

pest

noun

ˈpest 

1

: 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

pesty

ˈpes-tē 

adjective