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
Just keep in mind that without regular turning and temperature control, cold compost piles won't generate enough heat to kill off weed seeds, plant pathogens, and pests.
—
Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 June 2025
Tenants speak on victory Residents came together in March 2024 to fight against the hazardous living conditions, including pests, plumbing problems and lack of air conditioning.
—Noelle Alviz-Gransee, Kansas City Star, 5 June 2025
That ability could save a lot of crops from disease and pests—and potentially save a lot of money as well.
—IEEE Spectrum, 2 June 2025
Fix leaks and address any mold or pest issues quickly.
—Brynn Cooksey, Forbes.com, 1 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for pest
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Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 June 2025
Tenants speak on victory Residents came together in March 2024 to fight against the hazardous living conditions, including pests, plumbing problems and lack of air conditioning.
—Noelle Alviz-Gransee, Kansas City Star, 5 June 2025
That ability could save a lot of crops from disease and pests—and potentially save a lot of money as well.
—IEEE Spectrum, 2 June 2025
Fix leaks and address any mold or pest issues quickly.
—Brynn Cooksey, Forbes.com, 1 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for pest
Cite this Entry
“Pest.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pest. Accessed 18 Jun. 2025.
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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